KARACHI, Jan 18: The Pakistan Chest Society has strongly criticized the recently-launched campaign by a multi-national tobacco firm through electronic and print media in the country.

PCS members, including senior chest specialists and pulmonologists observed with deep concern that the tobacco industry, instead of taking measures to control the high incidence of tobacco-induced ailments and mortality, was on the contrary attempting to create a false impression regarding its significance for the national economy.

Dr Mosavir Ansari, Head of Chest Diseases Department, Liaquat National Hospital, registered his serious reservations regarding the claim made by the tobacco industry.

He alleged that production and consumption of tobacco was causing huge economic loss to the country, besides being a serious threat to the public health.

PCS General Secretary Prof Javaid A Khan, who is a leading chest physician associated with Aga Khan University, regretted that tobacco, despite being responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the country, annually, was being promoted through all sorts of advertisements.

Dr I S Burki, speaking at the meeting, identified cigarette as the single most important cause for indoor environmental pollution in the country. Dr Nadeem Rizvi, Chairman of JPMC Chest Diseases department, underscored the need for strong political will to implement the No-Smoking Ordinance-2002. - APP