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Smoking cigarettes is equivalent to burning money.
KARACHI: Smoking cigarettes is equivalent to burning money. The “smoking causes cancer” sign written on the front and back of cigarette packets were replaced by “smoking kills” because of specific research conducted. There is no denying that smoking leads to many harmful diseases that can leave you helpless in the later in life. According to statistics, the WHO says that more than 4 million people die every year from smoking-related issues. It blackens your lips, gums and fingertips; it causes lung cancer, damages your stomach, causes constipation and decreases immunity. Smoking reduces livelihood and has an effect on the body. All religions forbid us not to do harm to our neighbours or brothers. When we smoke, it also causes damage to others who inhale it. That is why in many countries like Singapore, there is a ban on smoking in public places.
Considering all the disadvantages, there are still no code of conduct practised by the authorities. There is no restriction on people who smoke. They freely move in public places with cigarettes in their hands and no one can stop them. Banning cigarettes is really important. I urge the government to take strict action. The authorities should order a crackdown on dealers so that we can get rid of this menace once and for all.
Dua Sheikh
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2020.
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