Tobacco control : CJP urged to declare SC premises smoke-free

The Network writes to Nasirul Mulk to help enforce laws banning smoking at public places

ISLAMABAD: A non-governmental organisation working for consumer protection has urged chief justice of Pakistan to declare Supreme Court premises “smoke free,” said a press release.

The Network for Consumer Protection Executive Coordinator Nadeem Iqbal in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk has sought implementation of the law banning smoking in the apex court building in letter and spirit.

The Network has drawn attention of the chief justice to section 5 of the law that forbids use of tobacco in any form at any place of public work or use.

According to a recently released Global Adult Tobacco Survey, around 70 per cent of Pakistanis say that they are exposed to tobacco smoke at their workplace, thus jeopardising their health.

The survey finds that almost every adult in Pakistan believes that smoking should not be allowed in indoor public places. Similarly, 82 per cent adults believe that breathing in smoked environment causes serious illness.

Iqbal claims that the survey findings show that people are ready to accept any regulation for tobacco control but there is a lack of will at the part of the authorities. He also referred to medical evidence that links both active and passive smoking with various types of cancers and other cardiovascular diseases.

Besides, in law there is no provision of any designated place for smoking inside a building or workplace.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2015.