Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has highlighted the urgent need for improved awareness and regulatory efforts to curb tobacco use, aligning with global health priorities and the World No Tobacco Day observance.

According to Radio Pakistan, in a message marking World No Tobacco Day, President Zardari underscored the collective responsibility to shield current and future generations from the dangers posed by tobacco products. He cited World Health Organization estimates, which attribute over 7 million deaths annually to tobacco, including approximately 1.6 million deaths from exposure to second-hand smoke.

President Zardari noted that various governments worldwide, in collaboration with civil society, have implemented measures through regulation and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. He stressed the importance of national and provincial legislative bodies in Pakistan enacting laws and establishing effective enforcement mechanisms to protect the populace and future generations.

The President also emphasized the role of change at the household and community levels in contributing to public health advancements. He called for collective efforts against what he termed “the merchants of death,” indicating tobacco’s detrimental impact on public health.