ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, has termed tobacco smoking a "death pill" and a global threat to human lives, warning that if current smoking trends persist, the annual death toll could surge from five to eight million by 2030.
Speaking at an event dedicated to educating children about the harmful effects of smoking, he drew parallels between environmental destruction and the dangers posed by smoking.
Initiating his address with crucial questions about the habit of smoking, Solangi said smoking is not just a habit but a disease responsible for claiming a life every six seconds, with one in ten individuals succumbing to its fatal consequences. Illustrating the devastating impact of smoking, he mentioned that a staggering 100 million lives were lost in the 20th century, with an additional five million deaths annually worldwide.
He commended those actively engaged in the battle against smoking, dubbing them "anti-smoking heroes."
The minister challenged the tendency to downplay the risks of tobacco smoking due to business considerations, asserting that it should no longer be treated differently from other harmful substances. He advocated for an increase in taxes on the tobacco industry, aimed at discouraging smoking, particularly among the younger generation.
Drawing parallels between the impact of smoking and climate change, Solangi underscored the adverse effects on daily life and escalating health sector expenditures.
He pledged continued support for volunteers committed to combating smoking, recognizing their crucial role in safeguarding public health.
