Smoking has become a significant public health issue in Pakistan, with millions of people — especially youth — falling prey to this harmful habit. Despite widespread awareness about the dangers of smoking, its prevalence continues to rise, posing severe health, social and economic challenges.
Easy availability of cigarettes, lack of strict regulations and aggressive marketing by tobacco companies contribute to the high smoking rate. Peer pressure and social acceptance, particularly among young people, also play a significant role. Furthermore, many smokers are unaware of the long-term consequences of tobacco use due to insufficient public education campaigns.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions, placing an immense burden on the healthcare system. Secondhand smoke puts non-smokers at risk of severe health issues. Additionally, smoking-related illnesses lead to significant economic losses, reducing workforce productivity and increasing medical expenses for families.
To tackle this crisis, urgent measures are needed. The government must enforce stricter laws to regulate the sale of tobacco products, including increasing taxes on cigarettes and banning advertising. Public health campaigns highlighting the dangers of smoking can help change social attitudes and discourage tobacco use. Schools and workplaces should introduce awareness programmes to educate individuals about the risks of smoking. Creating more smoke-free zones in public spaces will also protect non-smokers from exposure.
Smoking is a public health crisis with far-reaching consequences, and must be tackled proactively.
Wareesha Ahmed
Karachi
