APROPOS the news report (March22) on the global conference held in Abu Dhabi highlighting dangers ofusingtobacco.I fully endorse its contents.

In many of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory disease, the leading cause is smoking.

According to the WHO, one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco. A campaign is underway in Pakistan to point out the hazards of smoking. However, there is needto do more to discourage this killer habit.

I observed one aspect about smoking that was missing in the conference and that is passive smoking which is as harmful as actual smoking.

In this context, a drive must be launched agains smoking in public places, including public transport and trains. Besides, it should be strictly enforced. By adopting stringent measures, tangible results can definitely be achieved in striving for a tobacco-free generation. I also request the federal and provincial governments to impose and enforce heavy penalties on smoking at public places R. Riaz Akbar Wah Cantonment