Shah Abdul Latif University Hosts Seminar to Forge a Smoke-Free Pakistan
A major seminar titled "Quit Smoking, Live Better: Making Pakistan Smoke Free" was held at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), bringing together health experts, academics, and social activists to address the growing threat of smoking and narcotics in the country.
The event was organized by the Anti Narcotics Society of SALU in collaboration with the Insan Dost Social Organization (IDSO), with support from the Alternative Research Initiative (ARI).
The chief guest, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of SALU, delivered a powerful address on the physiological damages of smoking. He explained that smoking damages peripheral circulation, weakens the addict, causes cancer, and leads to heart blockages, high blood pressure, and memory loss.
"Smoking does not activate the brain," Dr. Khushk said. "It also damages one's physical appearance by causing a shortage of oxygen." He connected the issue to broader themes of health and anti-aging, announcing an upcoming lecture by a Turkish scholar on the subject.
Directing his message to the students, the VC declared, "You are the heroes of the future and the hope of your family, village, province, country, and the world. You must take good decisions for yourselves." He concluded by congratulating the organizers and leading a call to action: "We should make a promise today that we will not smoke and will also discourage others, as smoking damages both the individual and the environment."
Abdul Jabbar, CEO of IDSO highlighted that smoking is not just a personal health hazard but a severe detriment to the environment, the economy, and national development. They noted that several countries are moving towards being cigarette-free and urged Pakistan to follow suit, with a special emphasis on discouraging the youth from this habit.
Guest speaker Junaid Khan underscored the dangers of nicotine addiction, stating, "A single cigarette contains various chemicals which hurt physical health and also affect mental wellbeing." He pointed to global initiatives by the WHO, including advertising bans, to control the menace and revealed a grim statistic: approximately hundreds of people in Pakistan lose their lives annually due to smoking and narcotics.
Jaffar, representing IDSO, expressed concern that despite existing laws and warnings, people continue to smoke. He introduced the concept of alternatives for those who cannot quit entirely, stating, "Different countries have introduced alternatives to cigarettes which reduce the minimum danger to health. These alternative products are safer for those who want to quit smoking." He cited Sweden's success in being declared a smoke-free nation through the use of such alternatives, while lamenting the rising use of narcotics in Pakistan.
Mazharuddin Shaikh from the National Health and Community Development (NHCD) reinforced that smoking often acts as a gateway to more dangerous narcotics. He challenged the audience, saying, "If you want to make the environment good, then you have to play your role."
Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Coordinator, Students Society Center, conducted the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests, speakers, and collaborating organizations for their valuable contributions.
Ms. Shumila Rubab Rizvi also shared her reflections, commending the collective efforts of the organizers and highlighting the importance of youth-driven awareness in curbing smoking and narcotics use.
The seminar concluded with a resolute message for the youth to improve their academic performance and future prospects by rejecting smoking and narcotics, thereby building a healthier and more prosperous society.
The event was attended by Professor Dr Liaquat Ali Chandio, Professor Dr Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman Abro and others.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur
