The Intensifying Battle Against Smoking in Islamabad

The Current State of Smoking in Islamabad

During the event, attended by key figures such as Dr. Arif Azad of The Network and Murtaza Solangi from the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, it was revealed that an estimated 22-25 million people in Pakistan are smokers, with tobacco-related diseases claiming about 247 lives daily. The enforcement of anti-smoking laws in government offices and public places is notably lax, allowing the sale of cigarettes to minors and public smoking to persist.

Key Issues and Statistics:

• Government Compliance: Many government offices flout anti-smoking laws, with officials smoking openly.
• Health Warnings Inefficacy: Retailers often cover health warnings on cigarette packs with shop stickers, undermining public health messages.
• Youth and Sheesha: The growing popularity of Sheesha (water pipe) among the youth is alarming, with studies suggesting that 30 puffs of Sheesha are equivalent to smoking four cigarettes.

Health Implications and Public Concern

Dr. Anwar Raffay highlighted that tobacco is responsible for 25% of all deaths in the country, from diseases like heart attacks, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. The trend of Sheesha smoking is particularly concerning, considered more hazardous than cigarettes and often conducted under unhygienic conditions, potentially spreading diseases like tuberculosis and mouth infections.

Sheesha's Health Risks:

• Nicotine Intake: According to the World Health Organization, a 45-minute Sheesha session can deliver 1.7 times the nicotine compared to a cigarette.
• Shared Usage: Common in Sheesha cafes, sharing pipes can lead to the spread of communicable diseases.

Calls for Action and Government Response

Participants urged the Ministry of Health to devise a robust plan to monitor and penalize violations of anti-tobacco regulations. There is also a significant outcry against the Capital Development Authority for permitting Sheesha sales in food markets and commercial hubs, exacerbating the public health crisis.

Proposed Measures:

• Enhanced Monitoring: Implement stricter surveillance of tobacco sales and public smoking.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Increase awareness of the dangers of tobacco and Sheesha, particularly among the youth.
• Regulatory Enforcement: Ensure that health warnings are visible and unobstructed on all tobacco products.

Conclusion

The struggle against tobacco consumption in Islamabad is fraught with challenges, from lax enforcement to cultural acceptance of smoking as a lifestyle choice. However, with concerted efforts from government bodies, health organizations, and civil society, there is hope for significant progress in making Islamabad a smoke-free city. For more information on global efforts against smoking, visit the World Health Organization's tobacco page.

The situation in Islamabad serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against tobacco—a battle that requires persistent efforts, comprehensive strategies, and community engagement to win.