Sir: Smoking is common in adults and even children are engaged in this menace. According to a report by the World Health Organsation (WHO), smoking in Pakistan has increased by thirty percent over the last couple of decades. Research shows that more than eighty percent adults are addicted to smoking before they reach the age of 18. About 1.3 billion people around the world are regular smokers. However, the number of smokers is increasing rapidly and that is becoming the cause of fatal diseases. Above all, it is a matter of great concern that children and students have become regular smokers as they consider it a habit, but they are oblivious of its life threatening consequences. About 1,200 children become smokers on daily basis worldwide. Every year, 100,000 people die due to various sorts of lung and oral cancers. There is a dire need to take adequate steps to provide awareness to public about this dangerous killer. Parents are also requested to bear the responsibility of paying attention to their children’s activities. FIDA ZAMAN Turbat Published in Daily Times, January 11th 2018.