KARACHI, Oct 16: Ramazan is the best month to quit smoking. It is the month to get rid of all evils, including tobacco.

This was stated by the speakers who took part in a seminar organized by the Pakistan Chest Society’s Sindh chapter on Thursday to highlight the importance of the National Quit Smoking Day, which will be observed on the first day of Ramazan. The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s chest ward had collaborated in the effort.

JPMC director Prof Kazi Abdul Shakoor on the occasion said smoking was the single largest preventable cause of death in the country. “Quitting smoking is the best step that a smoker can take to safeguard his or her health,” said the professor.

Presenting the results of a survey conducted at his hospital, Prof Abdul Shakoor said only 10 per cent of the health workers there were smokers. “Sixty-eight per cent of these people appreciate the prohibition policy that is being implemented.”

Dr Fazal Ahmed, a religious scholar quoted extensively from the Quran and Hadith, adding that smoking was a repugnant act in the eyes of God. Prof Javaid A. Khan, general secretary of the Pakistan Chest Society, pointed out that lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in the country and over 90 per cent of these were preventable.

Passive smoking was a proven risk factor for both lung cancer and heart attack. He urged the authorities to take prudent step in this regard.

Dr Marie Andrades spoke at length about the ways in which a smoker could quit smoking. The counselling by the physicians and use of certain medicines could increase the chances of successful attempts at quitting.

Dr Sirajudaula, a professor of pathology, said tobacco was not only injurious when inhaled but also when chewed. Dr G.N. Kazi and Dr Amir of the WHO also spoke.

Dr M. Hussein of the Pakistan Chest Society presented the vote of thanks. Dr Farhan Qedwai conducted the proceedings.