<!--enpts-->nsmokingmay31.jpg<!--enpte-->ISLAMABAD: International Anti-Smoking Day will be observed across the world today (Thursday) to highlight smoking related health hazards and to create awareness about this nuisance.

In Pakistan every year the government and civil society organizations hold seminars, conferences and walks against smoking, but the violation of anti-smoking laws enforced by the government continues. The government has not implemented these laws strictly despite the fact that a number of people die of heart disease every year. Smoking is termed a major cause of heart related diseases.

To discourage smoking and the sale of cigarettes to teenagers, the government promulgated the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance on October 15, 2002, which bans smoking at public places and on public transport. Later, the ordinance was enacted as a law.

The ban on the sale of cigarettes to teenagers, in or near educational institutions, smoking in public transport, at public places, restaurants and even in government offices is being flouted with impunity.

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