ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Special Interest Group (SIG) for Pakistan has written a letter to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, urging him to take steps to keep people safe from the hazards of smoking.

It has suggested that smoke-free places should be ensured, the pictorial warnings on cigarette packets be increased as announced in 2014 and adopting a comprehensive approach to banning all advertisements, sponsorships and promotion of tobacco products.

It suggests raising the excise duty on cigarettes which will help reduce tobacco related diseases and increasing the funds for smoking cessation support, especially in rural areas where smoking is more prevalent to help break the cycle of addiction.

Signed by FPH President Prof John Middleton, SIG Chair Dr Zafar Iqbal and other health experts, the letters focuses on the issue of tobacco control which impacts under 24 million Pakistani adults.

The letter says smoking causes 110,000 deaths a year and causes oral cancer, the second most common cancer in Pakistan.

The letter, available with Dawn, recognises the good work already undertaken in Pakistan which is party to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

“The UK has been on a long journey with tobacco control, recognising the challenges that exist for governments and changing public opinion.

“The UK FPH SIG for Pakistan would welcome the opportunity to work with you and share our learning in helping you develop some stronger approaches to tobacco control,” letter says.

“We recognise the hard work that has already gone into developing policies to start your tobacco control journey, and we are keen to assist you wherever we can to further your goals,” it says.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2018