RAWALPINDI – The administration of the country’s most popular hill station, Murree, located in the Galyat region, has decided to ban smoking in the region as part of Pakistan’s larger tobacco-free cities initiative (TSFCP).
Local media reports said Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi ordered immediate action to end smoking in the scenic area. Tobacco control monitoring committees will also be set up for effective monitoring in all districts under the supervision of the regional administration.
The civil administration is taking severe measures to provide a clean atmosphere for tourists who have flocked to the hill station located about 70 km from the country’s federal capital.
A meeting of the District Tobacco Control Implementation Committee was held in conjunction with the Department of National Health Services at which officials also decided to make other places of recreation smoke-free with immediate effect. .
Murree is a popular hill station that receives visitors from all over Pakistan, so it is imperative that a “Smoke Free Murree” sets an example that will eventually reflect a “Smoke Free Pakistan,” DC said.
Meanwhile, orders have been given to put up “No Smoking” signs outside educational institutions in Rawalpindi.
All government offices, health centers, hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, courts, conference rooms, public transport vehicles, stadiums, places of recreation will receive signs and anyone who violates the guidelines will be confronted with the music.
Amid tough guidelines to curb smoking, stores across the district are prohibited from selling cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18 when selling, distributing cigarettes within 50 meters of schools and public places. colleges will be illegal.
The government of Pakistan has already decided to establish “Stop Smoking Clinics” which will be inaugurated soon and will be an excellent resource for those who wish to quit smoking by facilitating the process through treatment and counseling.
Comments are closed.