Islamabad: Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), held a briefing session with journalists on Wednesday at local hotel in which it was shared that SPARC along with other organizations wrote a letter to Finance Ministry of Pakistan and demanded to increase taxation on cigarettes.

It was proposed that tobacco taxation needs to be increased by at least 26% in upcoming federal budget. Pakistan faces a significant challenge with widespread tobacco consumption, with over 31.9 million adults aged 15 years and above identified as current tobacco users, constituting nearly 19.7% of the adult population.

 Smoking-related illnesses claim over 160,000 lives annually, representing a substantial 1.6% of the nation's GDP each year. However, in the fiscal year 2022-23, cigarette taxes covered only 16% of these expenses, marking a decline from 19.5% in 2019.

Dr Khalil Ahmad, program manager SPARC stated that, the affordability of cigarettes and the devastating toll of smoking on public health are indeed pressing concerns that demand urgent action. When cigarettes are inexpensive, it can encourage more people, especially the youth and those with limited financial means, to start smoking or to continue the habit despite the known health risks. The loss of innocent lives due to smoking-related illnesses is tragic and preventable. It underscores the importance of implementing effective tobacco control measures, including increased taxation on cigarettes, to make them less affordable and discourage consumption. Furthermore, comprehensive tobacco control strategies should encompass not only taxation but also measures such as public education campaigns, smoke-free policies and support for smoking cessation programs.

Malik Imran Ahmad, Country Head Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) said, that increasing tobacco taxes, as recommended by global health organizations like World Health Organization and the World Bank, can indeed be an effective measure to reduce consumption and generate revenue for healthcare. A 26.6% FED increase, as proposed for the fiscal year 2024-25, appears to be a significant step forward. Not only could it help recoup a substantial portion of healthcare costs, but it also has the potential to discourage hundreds of thousands of individuals from smoking. Additionally, the projected revenue increase could be valuable for funding various public health initiatives and strengthening the national economy.

It's concerning to see the extent of tobacco consumption in Pakistan and the associated health and economic burden it brings due to easy affordability of cigarettes. Organizations such as Human Development Foundation, Aurat Foundation and Chromatic Trust alongside SPARC have raised their concerns on this crucial public health issue.

Islamabad:  Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated Pakistan Army and scientists on the successful launch of Fatah-II Guided Rocket System.

In a statement, he said Fatah-II is result of tireless work of Pakistan Army and scientists.                                                   

The Prime Minister hoped that the System would further fortify Pakistan's defence.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army conducted successful training launch of Fatah-II Guided Rocket System with a range of 400 kilometers.

According to ISPR, the launch was aimed at perfecting the launch drills and procedures.

Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory and manoeuvrable features, Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defence system.

Fatah-II is being inducted in Pakistan's Artillery Divisions for stand-off, precision engagement of deep targets.

The rocket system will significantly upgrade the reach and lethality of Pakistan Army's conventional arsenal.

The flight test was witnessed by Chief of the General Staff Pakistan Army, senior officers from the three services and dedicated scientists and engineers.

President, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff and all Services Chiefs have congratulated participating troops and scientists on this excellent achievement.

Lahore: Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that the law of defamation is not against any journalist, it is against those who disrepute others respect by telling lies.

“All journalistic organizations should write down their concerns and give them to me by Sunday as  their legitimate issues will be taken into account,” said the minister while addressing a press conference at the DGPR on Wednesday.

Azma Bokhari said that it is being said that freedom of expression is going to be banned as this is a black law but there is no such thing.

This law, she said,  is being brought so that people’s respect are not put at stake to earn dollars and cheap fame. The need to introduce defamation law arose because in the old defamation law no case could go beyond a notice.

She stated that an allegation was levelled on Shahbaz Sharif [the incumbent prime minister] then they offered Rs10 billion and withdraw from the case.

Similarly, an allegation was also levelled on Khawaja Asif which could not be proved. She said that the police would have no role in this law.

“A High Court Judge will be given the status of a tribunal, the Judge will have to hear only 2 cases a day and the cases will be completed in 180 days,” said the minister.

She stated that they did  not want to use this law for politics and they did not want to disrepute people. 

Azma said, “There are many news aired in our country which are not published in foreign countries because the laws are strong there,”.

The minister said that a working journalist would have no problem with this law, adding that a person who would lie under the guise of a journalist with a specific agenda would face problem with this law.

 This is the law of the common citizen so that no one can be blackmailed.

Azma said, “ Freedom of expression can neither be restricted nor  any one will be allowed to commit wrongdoing,”.

 She said that no one is afraid of social media, but someone objects to the allegations of social media, adding that the social media would have to run within the parameters of decency and civilization.

“My father and sisters were accused, I will bring the first defamation case myself. They say Azma Bokhari speaks a lot against PTI, such tactics are being used to put her under pressure. Everyone should know that Azma Bokhari is not going to come under anyone's pressure,” she added.