Smoking-Free Campaign Begins In Faisalabad Division: Commissioner

News Desk

Faisalabad: It is a priority to make all districts of Faisalabad division smoke-free so a smoking-free public place campaign has been started from the Commissioner Office, said Divisional Commissioner Silwat Saeed.

Presiding over a meeting on Friday, Silwat directed all departments to make their offices smoke-free and display ‘Smoking is strictly forbidden’ boards at prominent places. She also announced an ashtray-free policy in all offices.

Heads of all departments should nominate a focal person for their department and two master trainers at the division level who will be trained in making the city smoke-free, Saeed directed.

District administrations would spearhead efforts to make the Faisalabad division smoke-free, and it should be ensured that representatives of all departments would participate in the divisional implementation committee for anti-smoking, Divisional Commissioner (DC) ordered.

More than 160,000 people in Pakistan die every year due to smoking, and 1,200 children between the ages of 6 and 15 start smoking daily, Ministry of National Health Representative Mohammad Aftab Ahmed informed.

Silwat Saeed further stated that strict enforcement of the laws in public spaces is essential, and every department should create a work plan and notify the administration of it within a two-week period.

She added that it is illegal to smoke in public areas, hotels, restaurants and private vehicles, and that the police department should take immediate action.

DC directed education authorities to organise a speech and essay writing competition among students to highlight creativity against tobacco.

Aftab Ahmed informed the participants about a future plan of action and added that there is a need to work toward tobacco-free future generations.