ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) will ensure coordination with the authorities concerned in implementing tobacco control laws by educating road users and effectively conducting checking in public transport.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the campaign started to create awareness among citizens about hazard of tobacco use here on Wednesday, Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Malik Matloob Ahmed said the ITP had launched the campaign in coordination with the Capital Administration and Development Division’s (CADD) health wing.

Deputy Director General Health, CADD, Dr Minhajus Siraj, former captain of Pakistan Hockey team Mohammad Mansoor, Director ITP FM Radio Ayesha Jameel and in charge education team, ITP, Rana Ishtiaq were also present in the ceremony.

In the first phase that will continue till June 4, the ITP officials and other stakeholders would be provided basic information about the hazards of tobacco use so that they in turn impart it among citizens, Malik Matloob Ahmed said, adding that the citizens would be briefed about the harmful effects of smoking. Announcements would also be made by the education wing and ITP’s FM Radio 92.4.

In the second phase that will commence from June 26, the SSP (traffic) said the public would be given awareness of the ban of tobacco use in public transport as well as public places and its hazards.

The SSP said according to Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002, smoking was illegal in public places and public transport. He said sale of cigarettes and ‘Sheesha’ to minors and people under the age of 18 was prohibited.

A penalty ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs100,000 can be imposed on smoking at public places and public transport, he added.

Deputy Director General Health CADD Dr Minhajus Siraj said this initiative was being taken to make Islamabad a smoke-free city.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2015

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