Maryam Nawaz Vows Strict Enforcement of Smoking Ban Across Punjab
LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting public health by ensuring the strict enforcement of smoking bans in educational institutions and public places across the province. Her message was issued on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The Chief Minister emphasized that smoking in government offices, public transport, educational institutions, and other public locations is a punishable offense under existing laws. She stated that the Punjab government is determined to ensure full implementation of these regulations and will continue taking practical measures to discourage tobacco consumption throughout society.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the growing concern surrounding tobacco and vaping among young people. She stressed that protecting youth from nicotine addiction is a priority for the provincial government and announced that all possible steps would be taken to prevent the spread of smoking and vaping habits among students and young adults.
According to the Chief Minister, creating awareness about the dangers of tobacco use is not solely the responsibility of government institutions. She noted that parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, media organizations, and civil society must work together to educate communities about the serious health risks associated with smoking and nicotine products.
Health experts speaking at a workshop organized in connection with World No Tobacco Day also expressed concern over the increasing global burden of tobacco consumption. General Cadre Doctors Association President Dr. Masood Sheikh revealed that approximately 80 percent of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low-income and middle-income countries, where healthcare systems often face significant challenges in addressing tobacco-related illnesses.
Recent international data further highlights the scale of the problem. Statistics show that nearly 40 million children between the ages of 13 and 15 currently use at least one form of tobacco product worldwide. Among them, approximately 20 million smoke cigarettes, while around 10 million use smokeless tobacco products. Health professionals warned that these figures demonstrate the urgent need for stronger prevention and awareness campaigns targeting young people.
Dr. Masood Sheikh also pointed to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping devices among youth. He warned that the use of e-cigarettes may increase the likelihood of young people transitioning to conventional cigarette smoking, creating new public health challenges in the future.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Asad Abbas Shah emphasized that every form of tobacco consumption is harmful to human health. He stated that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco and nicotine products, as both active smoking and passive exposure can contribute to serious medical conditions, including heart disease, respiratory disorders, and various forms of cancer.
Medical experts also highlighted the economic impact of tobacco use. Dr. Javaid Mumtaz explained that tobacco-related diseases place a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems while reducing economic productivity due to illness, disability, and premature deaths. He noted that governments spend substantial resources treating preventable diseases caused by tobacco consumption.
Public health advocates believe that stronger enforcement of anti-smoking laws, combined with public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, can significantly reduce tobacco use and improve overall community health. They stressed that reducing smoking rates among young people remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing future health complications.
The Punjab government’s renewed commitment to tobacco control reflects a broader effort to promote healthier lifestyles and protect future generations from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction. By strengthening enforcement measures and increasing public awareness, authorities hope to create safer educational institutions, healthier public spaces, and a more informed society.
As World No Tobacco Day serves as a reminder of the global fight against tobacco-related diseases, health experts continue to encourage individuals to quit smoking and support initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. The message from both government officials and healthcare professionals remains clear: tobacco use poses serious health, social, and economic risks, and collective action is essential to building a healthier future.
