Referring to debate on social media regarding contribution to dam fund by a tobacco company Health Minister Dr. Zafar Mirza said has nothing whatsoever to do with it and the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan was firmly committed to its Anti-tobacco policy based on Pakistan's obligations under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to which the country was a signatory said the Minister. Dr. Zafar Mirza reiterated that taxation measures would further enhanced to curb the prevalence of tobacco use that causes over 160,000 deaths in the country annually. Health is a very high priority for the Prime Minister and significant efforts have been made for tobacco control in Pakistan like banning sale of cigarettes in loose form, notifying 50% and now 60% size pictorial health warning on cigarette packs and banning import of Sheesha. Most recently the Ministry of Health has requested all the provincial chief secretaries and Chief Commissioner, Islamabad to issue necessary directions to the relevant authorities to launch crackdown/legal action against the violators of tobacco advertisement guidelines. Ministry of NHSRC assures that every measure shall be taken to save lives of people of Pakistan from deadly tobacco products added the Minister. ------------------------------------------
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