September 09, 2007	Sunday	Sha'aban 26, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Sept 8: Members of the Youth Parliament Pakistan on Saturday called for a blanket ban on smoking in the country.Speaking on a motion during the session of the house, a number of speakers said the strategy adopted by the government for discouraging smoking needed a comprehensive review.The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) conceived the idea, facilitated the formation and now serves as the secretariat of the youth parliament.

There were some speakers who opposed the motion and observed that it was the right of the people to decide if they wanted to smoke or not. “It is an informed choice that matters and not a regulation,” they remarked. This however evoked a strong reaction with their voices subdued by high pitched slogans of shame, shame chanted by their colleagues.

Some of the members suggested increase in taxes, awareness campaigns on the hazardous effects of tobacco and a ban on tobacco related advertisements. They said tobacco companies had huge resources which they used to attract the youth.

They said there should be no designated smoking areas and the law against smoking at public places should be fully implemented. They regretted that there was no mechanism to check shopkeepers selling cigarettes to youth below 18 years of age.

One of the members criticised a federal minister enjoying a cigar during a TV interview and said the prime minister should have taken note of it. “What message he wanted to give to the youth,” he asked.

The federal minister for health, who had been invited to attend the session as a guest, while peaking on the hazards of tobacco use and steps required to fight the menace, went to the extent of claiming that smoking was something un-Islamic.

He said taxes for tobacco companies had been increased. He said the government would also take steps for the implementation of the anti-smoking law. As a first step, efforts would be made for a smoking-free railway.

Meanwhile, a 60-member delegation of the youth parliament called on Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Saturday.

Talking to the delegation, the chief justice said for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the sitting parliament would be completing its term. It is a sign of supremacy of constitution and rule of law.

He said it was a healthy sign that parliament was functioning and democratic institutions were strengthening in Pakistan.

He said it was a democratic tradition that all the organs of the state including judiciary work independently within parameters provided by law and the constitution. “Judiciary has its own independent and impartial role,” he added.

The delegation also met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Speaking to the youth parliament members, he said a combination of errors had contributed to the stalling of democracy in Pakistan in the past 60 years including lack of an environment which focused on good governance.