ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, asserted that tobacco smoking poses not just an addiction but a lethal threat to human lives globally.
Speaking at an event dedicated to educating children about the harmful impacts of smoking, Solangi likened smoking to a “death pill” and drew attention to its parallel with environmental destruction as a severe menace to human existence.
Solangi initiated his address by posing critical questions regarding the habit of smoking, emphasizing that smoking is not merely an addiction but a disease with profound consequences. “Smoking is a disease that claims one person’s life every six seconds, on average,” he stated, underscoring that one in ten individuals falls victim to the fatal habit.
Highlighting the devastating toll exacted by smoking, Solangi shared alarming statistics, noting that 100 million lives were lost due to smoking in the 20th century, with approximately five million deaths attributed to smoking annually worldwide. Expressing concern, he projected that if the current intensity of smoking persists, the annual death toll could rise from five to eight million by 2030. In recognition of those fighting against smoking, Solangi praised them as “anti-smoking heroes.”
Solangi acknowledged the historical reluctance to equate tobacco smoking with other harmful substances due to business considerations but stressed the need to overcome this tendency. Advocating for increased taxes on the tobacco industry, he emphasized that such measures are essential to dissuade smoking, particularly among the younger generation.
Drawing parallels between the adverse impacts of smoking and climate change, Solangi highlighted the profound effects on daily life and escalating healthcare expenditures. He pledged continued support for volunteers engaged in the anti-smoking campaign, recognizing their vital role in combating the pervasive threat of smoking.
