'22.7 million Pakistanis use tobacco'

With 22.7 million adults in Pakistan using tobacco - 14.5 million of them on a daily basis - Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) on Monday organised an awareness session on the theme "Tobacco-Free and Drug-Free Campus" to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The programme was held under the directives of the Higher Education Commission and the university's Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committee, with the aim of contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Healthy Lives) and Goal 4 (Quality Education). A similar session was held earlier on June 23 at JSMU's Landhi Campus as part of the university's expanded anti-drug campaign.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Amjad Siraj Memon said, "This is not merely a ceremonial event but a practical step against a serious public health challenge. When 22.7 million people in our country are using tobacco, universities have a responsibility to promote awareness, consciousness, and healthy lifestyles. Our students are future medical professionals. They must set a positive example for society by saying no to drugs and tobacco today."