ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: The Network for Consumer Protection on Wednesday wrote a letter to President Pervez Musharraf, urging him to direct the government to ratify the framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) for curbing diseases and deaths caused by tobacco.

The copies of the letter have also been sent to 30 MNAs and Senators asking them to extend their help in seeking the FCTC’s ratification. The letter stated that the FCTC was approved by 192 countries, including Pakistan, at the 56th World Health Assembly held at Geneva on May 23.

The convention aimed at protecting the health of non-smokers, reducing the demand of tobacco, banning its promotion.