Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani Criticizes Exemption of Cigarette Taxes and Calls for Collective Action Against Smoking.

Islamabad: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has expressed regret over the decision to increase taxes on essential commodities while not imposing any new tax on cigarettes in the recent budget. He emphasized the importance of taking collective and serious steps to end smoking and secure the future of millions of young people.

During a meeting with a delegation from Chromatic, cash prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners of the Chromatic Anti-Tobacco Postcard Season 4 competition.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani awarded prizes to the winners of the Chromatic Postcard Season 4 competition, organized by Chromatic. Over 1,500 youngsters from across the country participated. The competition saw Iffat Zahra from Rawalpindi securing first place, Maryam Rafiq from Hyderabad taking second, and Adil Niazi from Bahawalpur coming in third. The winners received cash prizes of 50,000, 30,000, and 20,000 rupees respectively, along with certificates of appreciation.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani expressed deep concern over the increasing addiction to smoking among the youth. He praised Chromatic’s initiative in holding anti-smoking competitions, noting that such activities could significantly reduce the trend of smoking among young people.

Senator Sherry Rehman, who was present at the ceremony, urged the government to reconsider its policies on smoking eradication. She highlighted the inconsistency of increasing taxes on basic necessities like milk for children while not imposing any new taxes on cigarettes in the recent budget.

Member of Punjab Assembly Amina Hassan Sheikh remarked on the alarming statistic that more than 1200 children start smoking every day in Pakistan. She noted that students in schools, colleges, and universities are increasingly becoming addicted not only to traditional cigarettes but also to modern tobacco products. Amina Hassan Sheikh emphasized the need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to control smoking.

CEO Chromatic, Shariq Khan thanked Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani for his consistent support in the fight against smoking. He requested the Chairman Senate to ensure strict implementation of laws, including raising cigarette prices and enforcing graphic health warnings, to help eradicate smoking from Pakistan.