September 07, 2007	Friday	Sha'aban 24, 1428

RAWALPINDI, Sept 6: The local government and civil society have joined hands against smoking at public places in the city.

Potohar Town and Rotary Club have offered full cooperation to the government in its campaign against smoking in public places and have decided to install banners and signboards at public spots.

Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja and President Rotary Club Rawalpindi Iftikhar Ahmed said in separate statements issued here that they would provide all out support to minimise smoking in public places by creating awareness among the citizens about the hazardous effects of both active and passive smoking.

School children would also be engaged in raising awareness about the dangerous effects of smoking at public spots by organising walks and displaying banners at public places.

Mr Raja said that the alarming trend of smoking had made the youngsters vulnerable to follow active cigarette puffers. The practice needs immediate eradication otherwise the trend would spread across the society like virus.

He said that the administration of the Potohar Town would utilise it resources to end the habit of smoking in public.

APP adds: Speakers including health experts on Thursday called for creating awareness among the general public about the hazards of smoking to eliminate the evil from the society.

They were speaking at an anti-smoking conference, organised by the Rural Health Centre at Bhara Kahu.

Assistant District Health Officer Dr Amir Zada, Drug Inspector Sardar Shabir Ahmad and Malik Sarwar spoke on the occasion.

Dr Zada said that smoking was the root cause for many dangerous diseases. Other health experts highlighting the dangers

of smoking said that it was the root

cause of many diseases, “it spoils human health and disturbs the immune system of the body”.

They called for launching a massive anti-smoking campaign and urged the media to play vital role in this regard. The conference was attended by local notables, doctors and people belonging to different walks of life.