Through the esteemed columns of this most widely circulated news paper, I would like to draw attention of the concerned authorities and public towards the evils of smoking in our society. Mostly our youth indulge in this menace. It is not only dangerous for our public health but also destroying our economy. Recent survey which was taken by WHO indicates that approximately smoking is done by 2 million people in our country. Thousand numbers of people are employed in these companies and earning their livelihood. But it affect adversely on our economy because government has to spend more money to resolve these problems which are created by smoking. It has to establish the immense hospitals and care centres for the treatment of diseases which are caused by smoking. It is usually done by our educated people and students because they consider it fashionable. Being educated and sensible, this action is not congenial to their personalities. They are damaging themselves by indulging in this unproductive and useless activities. Their performance in their field is also depreciating. It has become an obstruction in growth of business and economy. It adversely affects the health and wealth of individual. It brings forth much fatal diseases such as cancer, heart attack, problem of blood pressure and dirtiness of teeth. It is request to concerned authorities that some strict and serious steps must be taken to curb this issue. Smoking at public places like parks, cinema, bus and railway stations, markets and bazars, colleges and universities and in all private and government offices must be restricted. Glamorisation of cigarettes by media should be banned. People should be aware about its dangers and prices of cigarettes should be raised up to 1000 per pack so that people avoid using them. ZAHABIA ZOHAIR Karachi