Anti-tobacco postcard competition held.

ISLAMABAD -- Chromatic on Tuesday arranged the prize distribution ceremony of its third season postcard competition in alignment with World No Tobacco Day.

The competition aimed to highlight the positive impacts of increased tobacco prices. Youngsters from all across Pakistan enthusiastically participated by submitting their artistic designs.

A distinguished panel of experts meticulously reviewed numerous entries and selected three outstanding designs to be honored during the prize distribution ceremony held here today.

The ceremony was attended by prominent guests, including Faisal Karim Kundi, SAPM, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Federal Parliamentary Secretary Health, Dr Shazia Sobia Somro also joined the event, along with journalists, students, and members of civil society.

During the event, Chromatic's CEO, Shariq Khan, emphasized the profound impact of the postcard competition on both the youth and policymakers.

Shariq Khan called for urgent intervention to protect the younger generation from the detrimental effects associated with tobacco products.

He highlighted the significant consequences of the government's decision to increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes in February 2023. This move resulted in a substantial boost in FED collection, amounting to Rs11.3 billion, as well as an additional Rs4.4 billion in sales tax during the fiscal year 2022-23.

Dr. Ziauddin Islam, former head, Tobacco Control Cell underscored the alarming statistics of over 170,000 tobacco-related deaths annually and the economic burden of 615 billion rupees, equivalent to 1.6% of Pakistan's GDP.

Dr. Ziauddin Islam emphasized the crucial role of implementing taxes to discourage tobacco use and alleviate the burden on healthcare costs.

On the occasion, Amna Hassan Sheikh, Member of Central Executive Council stated that tobacco use poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory problems.

Additionally, tobacco addiction can have detrimental effects on the overall well-being and quality of life...