Nicotine is like a slow poison
KARACHI: ‘Cigarette smoking is injurious to health’, says the warning on every cigarette pack along with a graphic picture, but more dangerous than that is the fact that many read the warning and yet carry on with their smoking habits.
In Pakistan, smoking is actually banned in public places by the government through the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Ordinance 2002. The government issued guidelines for permitting designated smoking areas, making adequate arrangements to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. But it is just written down on a piece of paper in black and white, and nothing has been done on the ground.
Nicotine is like a slow poison and the thick white smoke that an individual finds delight in for just a few seconds, is in fact reducing his/her life span. We tend to forget that this life is given to us by Almighty Allah and we have no authority to destroy it in such a manner. He definitely has a beautiful plan for us humans and we only need to cooperate with Him. It would be better if the younger generation stops perceiving smoking as a trendy activity and completely kicks the habit.
There should also be several awareness campaigns all around the country, to educate teenagers on this topic. Portrayal of actors smoking cigarettes in films should be banned by the Censor Board of Pakistan to stop youngsters from being inspired by them. Smoking is a vice that has ruined the lives of tens of thousands of people. Unfortunately, the elders have passed this vice on to their children. Instead of being a ‘role model’, elders have turned out be a bad influence. The government should look into the matter on a priority basis and implement preventive measures.
Umair Hussain
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
