Sir: Smoking is injurious to the health and we all know that. I would like to point out that more than 90 percent men in our society are suffering from this harmful habit and do not quit easily even if their loved ones plead with them to do so. Smoking may lead to other drug addictions, which eventually lead to death. It has become a symbol of unrealistic and self-imposed needs. It helps them relieve stress but becomes stressful for others. Be it office, markets, public places they do not spare themselves as well as the other people around them. It is so annoying and torturous that they smoke in such areas. It is dangerous for not only their physical but mental health. It needs to be controlled. A very easy solution can be integrated into this society by imposing smoking fines rigorously on men and women who are found smoking in non-designated areas. They should even be jailed to set an example if the fine exceeds a three-time imposition. Awareness campaigns should be carried out and smokers must be made aware of what they are putting at risk. People’s attitudes also need to change about smoking.
FATIMA MANSOOR
Rawalpindi