LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring the strict implementation of a complete ban on smoking in educational institutions across the province, as part of its broader efforts to protect public health and discourage tobacco use among young people.
In a message issued on World No Tobacco Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her government’s commitment to creating a healthier environment for students and reducing tobacco consumption in society.
The chief minister stated that smoking in educational institutions, government offices, public transport, and other public places is prohibited under existing laws and that strict enforcement of these regulations would be ensured.
Focus on Youth Protection
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that preventing smoking and vaping among young people remains a top priority for the provincial government.
“We will take all possible steps to discourage smoking and vaping among youth,” she said, adding that raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco is not only the responsibility of the government but also a collective social obligation.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to various forms of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and other serious health conditions.
Growing Concern Over E-Cigarette Use
Medical professionals participating in an awareness workshop organized in connection with World No Tobacco Day highlighted the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers and young adults.
Dr. Masood Sheikh, President of the General Cadre Doctors Association, noted that nearly 80 percent of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
Experts also expressed concern that the use of e-cigarettes may encourage non-smoking youth to adopt conventional cigarette smoking, creating new public health challenges.
Millions of Children Exposed to Tobacco Products
According to recent health data presented during the workshop, approximately 40 million children aged between 13 and 15 years currently use at least one tobacco product worldwide.
Of these:
- Around 20 million smoke cigarettes
- Nearly 10 million use smokeless tobacco products
- Millions more are exposed to vaping and other nicotine-based products
Health specialists warned that early exposure to nicotine can lead to lifelong addiction and increase the risk of developing serious illnesses later in life.
Economic and Health Impact
Speaking at the event, health experts stressed that tobacco use not only affects public health but also places a significant economic burden on society.
Dr. Javaid Mumtaz stated that the financial costs associated with tobacco consumption include healthcare expenses for treating tobacco-related diseases as well as productivity losses resulting from illness and premature deaths.
Dr. Asad Abbas Shah reiterated that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption and urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to play an active role in preventing tobacco use among young people.
Government’s Anti-Tobacco Campaign
The Punjab government has pledged to strengthen anti-smoking awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and universities while ensuring stricter monitoring of compliance with tobacco control laws.
Officials say educational institutions will be encouraged to adopt tobacco-free campus policies, conduct awareness sessions, and work closely with health authorities to promote healthier lifestyles among students.
The latest initiative forms part of Punjab’s broader public health strategy aimed at reducing tobacco use, protecting future generations, and creating a cleaner and healthier environment across the province.
