National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Ministry issued a notification on Tuesday to print new Pictorial Health Warning (PHW) on cigarette packs and outers. The size of the new warning has been increased from 50 percent to 60 percent. The PHW will be printed on both sides of cigarette packs and outlets, manufactured in the country and imported to Pakistan. The warnings will be implemented from June 1, 2019. The new warning depicts the disease gangrene, caused by smoking. Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani said that the National Health Ministry is committed to reduce prevalence of tobacco use in the country. As a signatory to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Pakistan will fulfil its international commitments by taking demand and supply reduction measures. The new warning will be effective at communicating risk and motivating behavioural changes, such as quitting or reducing cigarette consumption.
Published in Daily Times, January 30th 2019.
