Health groups warn of heavy toll from tobacco use
IV Report
KARACHI: The Pakistan Chest Society
(PCS) and the Tobacco Free Cities Coalition (TFCC) have warned that
tobacco-related diseases are responsible for an estimated 164,000 deaths
annually in Pakistan, a toll they say exceeds the combined mortality from
tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and road traffic accidents.
The
organisations described tobacco use as a major
public health challenge and urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of
tobacco control laws.
He said tobacco remains a leading
risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer,
heart disease and stroke, while also contributing to complications associated
with tuberculosis.
The organisations also highlighted
the widespread use of smokeless tobacco products, including gutka, naswar,
mainpuri and mawa, which they said are linked to high rates of oral cancer.
Prof Romaina Iqbal of Aga Khan
University said smokeless tobacco remains a significant but often overlooked
public health threat in both urban and rural communities.
The groups expressed concern over
the growing popularity of newer nicotine products, including vaping devices and
heated tobacco products, particularly among young people.
“The law exists on paper, not on the
ground,” said Dr Maira Mubashir of the Tobacco Free Cities Coalition, calling
for stronger implementation measures.
The organisations urged authorities
to enforce existing tobacco control laws, regulate emerging nicotine products,
integrate health education into educational curricula and discourage promotion
of nicotine products through traditional and social media.
Meanwhile,
the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has released a poster highlighting the
health and economic burden of tobacco use, the rising prevalence of
tobacco-related diseases, and the spread of unregulated nicotine products. The
association has urged the government to strengthen tobacco control measures.
Images courtesy: WHO and PMA
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