World Anti-Tobacco Day Statement by the Chief Minister
**LAHORE - In a bid to combat the growing menace of tobacco use, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that smoking is not merely a habit, but a severe assault on public health, the economy, and society. On World No-Tobacco Day, she urged the populace to safeguard their lives, homes, and loved ones from tobacco hazards.
In her message, the Chief Minister cautioned that every puff of tobacco introduces a new health risk, and each cigarette shrouds the future of countless generations in smoke. She affirmed the Punjab government's commitment to implementing legal measures to make schools, hospitals, and public spaces tobacco-free.
Expanding the scope of awareness campaigns, the government aims to safeguard the youth from tobacco use. Parents, teachers, scholars, and civil society members alike have been encouraged to join the government's crusade against smoking.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the responsibility of raising awareness about smoking was not solely the domain of the government, but a collective endeavor shared by all citizens. She urged the public to lend their support to the government in its battle against the devastating effects of tobacco.**
The Punjab government has taken significant legal steps in this regard, including the strict enforcement of the Smoking Ban Ordinance 2002 across the province. The government is also working on legal measures to ensure schools, hospitals, and public spaces are tobacco-free, protecting vulnerable populations such as children and patients. These steps underscore the government's commitment to combat the Tobacco epidemic in Punjab.
The Punjab government's focus on workplace-wellness extends to the fight against tobacco, as chronic diseases like respiratory conditions and mental-health issues are significant side-effects of smoking. With this in mind, a comprehensive approach towards health-and-wellness has been adopted, incorporating fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and preventive measures. It is crucial to remember that we must also address medical-conditions related to tobacco use, which require ongoing care and attention in Punjab.
