TIME and again Pakistan has failed to ensure the implementation of tobacco control laws. The sale of cigarettes to people below 18 years of age is strictly prohibited in the country, but they are easily available to minors at every kiosk on streets across the country.

Since the market consists of illicit and illegal sales of cigarettes, they are sold at prices lower than the regulated ones to the minors. The Ministry of Health has revealed that about 1,200 children aged 6-15 years are addicted to smoking on a daily basis. It is imperative that laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to youth be strictly enforced, and disciplinary action be taken against the retailers violating it.

Abu Bakar Kareem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.