PESHAWAR – Smoking continues to spread among young people in Pakistan despite clear evidence of its dangers. Around 17.2% of the population smokes, including 28.4% of men and 6% of women. While the highest smoking rate exists among those aged 25 to 44, the habit now grips adolescents at alarming levels.
Tobacco companies use aggressive marketing and exploit poor regulation to lure teenagers. Young people often start smoking under peer pressure. Friends not only introduce smoking but also trigger relapse after quit attempts. Shops continue to sell cigarettes near schools, even though the law bans it. Weak enforcement allows open violations, putting students at risk.
Global Action Offers A Way Forward
New Zealand set a global benchmark by banning cigarette sales to anyone born after 2008. The country also reduced nicotine levels in tobacco and cut licensed retailers from 6,000 to just 600. Pakistan can adopt similar steps by limiting access to tobacco and making products less addictive.
England invested in mass awareness campaigns and strong enforcement. Pakistan must now regulate digital marketing, eliminate tobacco ads, and reach young people with anti-smoking content across online platforms. Authorities must reduce cigarette vendors near schools and enforce penalties for violations.
Education And Healthcare Can Help Stop Smoking
Schools must teach students the long-term health impact of tobacco through real-life stories. Every school should enforce strict no-smoking rules and remove cigarette access from nearby areas. Teachers and parents must support prevention efforts.
Doctors must provide local-level quit programs with counselling and nicotine replacement therapy. Families must create smoke-free homes and support youth trying to quit. The government must raise tobacco taxes, ban advertising, and enforce plain packaging. Communities must monitor violations and demand stronger controls.
The writer works for ending combustible smoking.
