THE federal cabinet’s decision banning the sale of loose cigarettes as reported in this newspaper’s March 7 issue is a commendable move. However, it is not going to be an easy task to enforce this ban in letter and in spirit.

Our neighborhoods are replete with shops that sell cigarettes and betel leaf at almost every street-corner where usually youths get together in the evenings for a chat. Such shops are instrumental in attracting and enticing the young and curious to try that first smoke which eventually gets them hooked for life.

If we want our youth to be saved from tobacco-related diseases and illnesses then these shops must not exit, or be persuaded not to sell their wares to youngsters.

Irfan Kazi

Sukkur

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2018