CM Maryam calls smoking ‘silent epidemic’ on World No Tobacco Day

• Punjab CM terms smoking more dangerous than many diseases, describing it self-destructive habit affecting health, economy and society

• Terms tobacco use a silent epidemic, saying Punjab govt to enforce strict anti-smoking laws in schools, public places

• Urged to adopt smoke-free lifestyle and protect families from tobacco exposure

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday warned that smoking can be more dangerous than many fatal diseases, describing tobacco consumption as a silent epidemic with severe consequences for public health, society and the economy, and saying every puff of tobacco pushes an individual closer to disease.

In her message on World No Tobacco Day, the chief minister said smoking is not merely a habit but a self-destructive act that undermines health, financial stability and social well-being.

She said the Punjab government is taking comprehensive measures to enforce a complete ban on smoking in schools, colleges and other educational institutions. Smoking in government offices, public transport and other public places, she added, is a punishable offence, and strict enforcement of the law will be ensured.

Emphasising protection of youth, CM Maryam Nawaz said safeguarding the younger generation from tobacco use remains a top priority, and all possible steps will be taken to discourage smoking and vaping among young people. She added that raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco is not only the government’s responsibility but a collective social obligation.

The chief minister expressed concern over official statistics indicating that more than 250,000 deaths in the country are linked to tobacco use. She also noted that smoking and vaping may be major contributing factors in rising cases of heart attacks among young people.

Urging citizens to act responsibly, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz called for providing families with a healthy, smoke-free environment and appealed to the public to quit smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle immediately.

“Let us pledge to abandon tobacco use and work towards a healthier and safer future for ourselves and the coming generations,” she said.

WOMAN POSING AS CHAIRPERSON CM COMPLAINT CELL ARRESTED

Meanwhile, police in Jhelum arrested a woman who allegedly attempted to obtain protocol by impersonating the Chairperson of the Chief Minister Punjab Complaint Cell, and a case has been registered against her.

According to a spokesperson for Jhelum Police, the suspect, Mehnaz Saeed, introduced herself to Jhelum City Police as the Chairperson of the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell and demanded protocol and official facilities.

Following verification from the Punjab Chief Minister Complaint Cell, authorities confirmed that the institution had no association with Mehnaz Saeed.

The police spokesperson further stated that after the forgery was established, the accused and an accomplice were arrested. Liquor was also recovered from the vehicle during the operation.

The accused, Mehnaz Saeed, is said to be affiliated with PTI Muzaffargarh.