PAKISTAN’s ban on cigarette promotion to prevent smoking and to protect public health is constantly being violated by illicit cigarette manufacturers, and yet no action is taken by the law enforcement agencies.

The federal government has banned the promotion of cigarettes. Despite effective laws, however, cigarettes continue to pose a threat to public health at large.

The government should act against those violating the relevant laws and policies, and take strict action against those promoting cigarettes.

Abu Bakar Kareem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2021