IT is a proven fact that smoking has a detrimental impact on one’s health. Considering this fact, many health experts are of the opinion that smoking should be banned completely, while some believe in putting restrictions on smoking and not banning it entirely. That being said, there are enough factors that support a blanket ban on all forms of smoking.

Studies suggest that smoking is the major cause of lung and mouth cancers. Smoking is believed to be an important stress reliever by many, but it not only harms the person who smokes, causing serious problems for those as well who are in close proximity of the smoker.

The health hazards of smoking are limitless and, therefore, every effort should be made to discourage the habit. A strong policy in this regard is needed.

Nitasha Farooq
Rawalpindi

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Smoking, despite having serious health hazards, is at an all-time high. Through illicit cigarette trading, Rs44 billion are plundered from Pakistan every year.

To have an idea of what this large sum of money can finance, 2.5 million students can be educated for a year; 250,000 homes can receive electricity; and nine million people can be fed three meals a day for a month. Considering the above figures, the authorities at all levels need to address this menace.

Mujeeb Rehman Jatoi
Larkana

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2020