PESHAWAR, June 1: NWFP Senior Minister Sirajul Haq, announcing a ban on smoking at public places in the province, has said that the federal government would be asked to curb tobacco advertisements.

He said that the Centre would also be asked to ensure the export of the entire tobacco to earn foreign exchange and minimise the chances of its local use.

He was speaking to the participants of a rally on “World No Tobacco Day”, who met him at Assembly Secretariat on Saturday and gave him a memorandum and demands.

Participants of the rally included District Nazim Azam Khan Afridi and MPA Nighat Aurakzai, besides doctors, nurses, students and volunteers.

The rally was organized jointly by Abaseen Foundation, Pakistan Chest Society, Pakistan Anti-Smoking Society and Hira Public School and College.

The minister said that curbs on smoking was also a main concern for the elected representatives as it caused fatal diseases like cancer and asthma etc.

He said formal official notification about the ban on smoking at all public and private buildings including schools, colleges, hospitals, offices, hotels, parks and public transport would be issued in a few days, and would be strictly implemented.   He said smoking at NWFP Assembly Secretariat was already prohibited which was being pursued in letter and spirit.

He said that awareness against smoking was need of the hour which besides medical professionals and volunteers, also required a key role on part of the media.

He said tobacco was the second biggest cash earning produce of NWFP following the hydle power, but unfortunately it was made available at local bazaars, streets and homes due to lack of efforts for its export.

He assured that provincial government would seek help and cooperation of the Centre to ensure its export and promotion in the international markets and spend the profit on the pattern of hydle net profit for the welfare of the people of the province.

He also said that the federal government would be approached to restrict smoking publicity on the official media.