ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Dr Darshan on Tuesday informed the National Assembly that smoking tendency in children has significantly decreased as per recent survey.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Shaista Pervaiz and others regarding increasing use of tobacco particularly in youth, he said the government has taken various steps to control use of tobacco and smoking.
He said Tobacco Control Cell has been working in the capital since 2008. Such Cells would also be set up in the provinces, he added.
Dr Darshan said excise duty was also enhance to discourage use of tobacco. He said ban had also been imposed on smoking at public places besides ban on cigarette smoking related advertisement in print and electronic media.
Dr Darshan said fine has also been increased up to Rs.100,000 for smoking at public places while as per law, cigarettes were not being sold to the children under 18 years.
He said various awareness programmes to discourage smoking.
