Pakistan

New pictorial warning to cover 60% of cigarette packets

All local and imported packs to carry picture of gangrene disease caused by smoking from June 1

Razya Khan January 29, 2019

All local and imported packs to carry picture of gangrene disease caused by smoking from June 1. PHOTO: HEALTH MINISTRY

ISLAMABAD: The federal Ministry of Health has issued a new pictorial warning on the cigarette packets to create awareness among masses about the hazards of smoking.

The new pictorial warning carries the picture of gangrene disease caused by smoking, said a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday.

The size of pictorial warning has also been enhanced form 50 to 60 per cent of the cigarette packets.

The new warning will be displayed on all local and imported cigarettes packets from June 1, 2019.

Ban imposed on selling cigarettes, tobacco products without licences

Federal Minister for Health Aamir Mehmood Kiani, in a statement, said the government was taking necessary steps needed to check tobacco smoking in the country.

The new pictorial warning will prove to be effective in spreading awareness about the consequences of smoking, he added.

In Pakistan, tobacco use is a cause of death of over 160,100 persons every year. At least 23.9 million Pakistani adults currently use tobacco in any form, an important factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.