ISLAMABAD: The Planning Division has withdrawn Rs28.7 million allocated for the Tobacco Control Cell (TCC) in the 2018-19 financial year.

According to documents, the amount was allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

A Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) official requesting not to be quoted said in the past funds were released either through projects or through re-allocations.

“After years of efforts, it was for the first time that funds for the TCC were allocated in the PSDP. It had been decided that awareness campaigns and other activities would be launched from Nov. However, we have been informed that funds have been withdrawn,” he said.

The TCC was established in July 2007 with the objective of enhancing efforts for tobacco control in the country.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2018