Experts highlight risks associated with passive smoking as well. PHOTO: FILE
During a press conference at Karachi Press Club, the consultant chest physician of the Aga Khan University and the chairperson of the National Alliance for Tobacco Control, Dr Javaid Khan, said that 32 per cent men and eight per cent women smoke in Pakistan.
“The trend of smoking is declining across the world but it is increasing in Pakistan,” said Dr Khan. “The users of cigarettes are mostly youngsters, who are increasingly smoking sheesha as well.” He disclosed that almost 54 per cent people in the country use tobacco in some form.
“Tobacco is responsible for almost 50 per cent of all cancer cases in the country,” said Dr Nadeem A Rizvi, the president of the Chest Health and Education Society and the head of the chest diseases department at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. “Yet, smoking is still being advertised and portrayed through TV dramas as a cool, glamorous and adventurous act.”
Dr Rizvi urged smokers not to smoke in front of family members, including children. “Chances of cancer increases up to 30 per cent with passive smoking,” he added. “Stay away from smoking and keep others safe as well.”
Passive smoking is a serious health risk to a non-smoker, said Dr Qaisar Sajjad of the Pakistan Medical Association. “All public places and public transport should be made smoke-free in order to protect the health of those who don’t smoke,” he said. Dr Sajjad said that oral cancer is the second largest cancer in Pakistan. “The cases are increasing regularly and, if we can’t take appropriate measures timely, it will climb to number one.” He urged the government to address issues on the preventive side instead of on the curative side.
Dr Sohail Akhter, the president of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association, requested the corporate sector to strictly ensure ban on smoking in offices. “The educational institutions should also ensure no smoking within campuses,” he added.
Quoting a research conducted by the World Bank, Dr Khan said that increasing taxes by 10 per cent can reduce tobacco consumption by eight per cent in low-income country, such as Pakistan. “Tobacco in any form increases an already extensive risk of heart diseases.” He said that nicotine present in tobacco increases insulin resistance in the body and hampers the control of diabetes.
The health experts demanded the government strictly implement the existing laws, demanding an increase in the prices of cigarettes and banning the imports of betel nuts.
Sharing data from a recent survey conducted in Orangi Town, Dr Khan told The Express Tribune that 30 per cent women in the area use some form of tobacco. “It is an alarming situation,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2014.
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Why to Quit ?? On "World Smoking Day" On Quitting do not expect immediate health benefits (although my trademark cough disappeared soon ).Also there is less chance that you would save significant amount of money by not buying cigarettes.Also you can not compensate the cigarette "styling" factor with any other fashion accessory.The elevation in self esteem you feel once you make those rings of smokes swirl away has no alternative. There is very less chance that you will find a perfect alternative to cigarette in all those moments of tension,deep thinking and creative hyperactivity. Contrary to claims made my many there is very less chance of improvement in your physical stamina and powers.Also do not let a doctor convince you about smoking 's bad effects and suggest him/her to save the lectures against genetically modified food,fast food,pollution and other stuff. So your question as an experienced smoker is very valid "Why should I quit smoking,Give me a reason" ?. Here is one possible reason ....... Freedom...... Smoking is a kind of slavery and quitting gives u sort of freedom. Freedom from an old habit , from fear of losing an important form of venting out and freedom from an innocent attempt that you started as fun and now it has turned into a monster and you are crippled in its hands. Smoking is a seed we sow and later it turns out into a tree whose branches entangle us tightly with every passing day.So If you need a reason to quit smoking than it has to be Freedom.Forget about doctors saying,friends suggestions and family's concerns, it is matter of your own personal Freedom and only you need to get it back . Give a try,Quit smoking ...and rediscover your long lost freedom !
Why to Quit ??
On Quitting do not expect immediate health benefits (although my trademark cough disappeared soon ).Also there is less chance that you would save significant amount of money by not buying cigarettes.Also you can not compensate the cigarette "styling" factor with any other fashion accessory.The elevation in self esteem you feel once you make those rings of smokes swirl away has no alternative. There is very less chance that you will find a perfect alternative to cigarette in all those moments of tension,deep thinking and creative hyperactivity. Contrary to claims made my many there is very less chance of improvement in your physical stamina and powers.Also do not let a doctor convince you about smoking 's bad effects and suggest him/her to save the lectures against genetically modified food,fast food,pollution and other stuff. So your question as an experienced smoker is very valid "Why should I quit smoking,Give me a reason" ?. Here is one possible reason ....... Freedom...... Smoking is a kind of slavery and quitting gives u sort of freedom. Freedom from an old habit , from fear of losing an important form of venting out and freedom from an innocent attempt that you started as fun and now it has turned into a monster and you are crippled in its hands. Smoking is a seed we sow and later it turns out into a tree whose branches entangle us tightly with every passing day.So If you need a reason to quit smoking than it has to be Freedom.Forget about doctors saying,friends suggestions and family's concerns, it is matter of your own personal Freedom and only you need to get it back . Give a try,Quit smoking ...and rediscover your long lost freedom !
well, i never smoked and still do not smoke but sometimes i think does ANY government or our elected officials REALLY want the people to stop smoking (or drinking..) the lobby is so strong, there is so much money involved and taxes are just incredible high at least in the -West-. But making the price higher is also no solution. the market will just be flooded with cheap and fake cigarettes. and it is apparently no secrete that the cigarette companies are cashing in on it as well. running extra shifts and the like. Prohibition did not work with booze, putting gory pictures on cig packets will not work either. who wants to, will do, whatever. and the more aany government will try to get us away from it, the more we will do it. such is human kind....