Lahore: "Smoking is an epidemic, protect your lives, homes and loved ones from tobacco poison," said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on World No-Tobacco Day. She added,"Every puff of tobacco is a step towards a new disease, and every cigarette envelops the future of our generations in smoke." She highlighted,"Smoking is not just a habit, but an attack on health, economy and society."

Madam Chief Minister said,"Punjab government is taking legal steps to make schools, hospitals and other public places tobacco-free." She added,"Scope of awareness campaigns has been expanded to protect youth from smoking." She underscored,"Awareness about smoking is not only government's responsibility, but a common responsibility of all of us." She appealed to the parents, teachers, scholars and civil society members to support government in its campaign against smoking.