SUKKUR (Press Release): In collaboration with the Alternative Research Initiative (ARI), NARI Foundation Sukkur, under the \u201cQuit Smoking, Live Better \u2013 Making Pakistan Smoke-Free\u201d programme, conducted separate awareness and community sessions with women and male community members across different areas of Sukkur District, particularly in rural communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sessions aimed to raise awareness about the serious health, social, and economic consequences of smoking and tobacco use, encourage tobacco users to quit smoking, and provide practical guidance and support for adopting healthier lifestyles. Women, smokers, farmers, labourers, factory workers, and other community members participated in the sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afshan Asghar, Chairperson of NARI Foundation, and Anwar Mahar, Executive Director, emphasized that eliminating smoking from Pakistan is achievable; however, it requires coordinated and sustained efforts by the government, civil society organizations, health institutions, educational institutions, parents, and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They noted that tobacco use is not merely a public health concern but also a significant social and economic challenge. Household income spent on cigarettes and other tobacco products can place an additional financial burden on low-income families. Moreover, exposure to tobacco smoke can adversely affect children, pregnant women, older persons, patients, and other non-smokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They further highlighted that conducting separate community sessions for women and men in rural areas is essential for strengthening grassroots awareness and enabling communities to play an active role in tobacco-control efforts. Particular attention, they said, should be given to young people and parents, as timely awareness can help prevent the initiation of smoking and tobacco use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at the sessions, social leaders Abdul Waheed Mahar, Farhan Ali, and Amjad Mahar emphasized that awareness alone is not sufficient to help people quit smoking. Individuals who wish to stop smoking should have access to appropriate counselling, medical guidance, cessation support, and accessible health services. They also called for stronger and more accessible tobacco-cessation services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speakers stressed the importance of maintaining hospitals, educational institutions, petrol stations, and other public places as smoke-free environments to protect public health and human lives. They particularly highlighted the serious fire and safety risks associated with smoking at petrol stations and urged strict enforcement of No Smoking regulations at such locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community members Muhammad Hashim Phulpoto and Yasir also emphasized the need for continuous community awareness and collective action to address tobacco use. They noted that direct engagement with people in rural communities can play an important role in reducing smoking and promoting healthier behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speakers urged parents to educate children and young people about the harmful consequences of tobacco use at an early stage. They also encouraged communities to support smokers with guidance and compassion rather than criticism, enabling them to quit smoking and move towards a healthier and better quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Representatives of NARI Foundation and Alternative Research Initiative (ARI) reaffirmed their commitment to continuing awareness-raising and community mobilization activities under the \u201cQuit Smoking, Live Better \u2013 Making Pakistan Smoke-Free\u201d programme across Sukkur District. The initiative seeks to expand grassroots awareness and strengthen collective efforts towards a healthier, safer, and smoke-free Pakistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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