ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that more than 250 people die every day due to smoking in the country.
During the question hour in the National Assembly in Islamabad on Thursday, the Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar told that 5,000 people have become patients and 1,200 children become new smokers every day.
The minister said that keeping in view the hazards of smoking, the government has increased pictorial warning.
Saira Afzal Tarar told the House that 967 cases have been registered under Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 in project model districts since 2010.
The House was informed that provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration are in power to implement the said ordinance in their jurisdictions.
In reply to a question, the minister said that different proposals are under consideration to enhance the present vaccine manufacturing capacities of National Institute of Health in Islamabad.
The Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali told the House that a number of steps – including development of mega hydel power projects, conversion of oil based plants to coal based plants, exploitation of alternate energy sources, control theft of power and recovery of outstanding dues – are being taken by the government to eliminate circular debt in power sector.
The minister said that due to the government efforts there is reduction in circular debt during the last two years.
The Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research Rajab Ali Baloch informed the House that Rs41.3 billion in the form of feed gas and Rs477 per 50 kg bag on imported Urea subsidy has been given to farmers.
