The President of Pakistan

"For many households, the impact is not abstract. A working-age parent falling ill, repeated hospital visits, the cost of long-term treatment and reduced earning capacity can quickly strain already limited household resources. These pressures are felt in everyday life, from missed school days for children to the difficulties families face in managing routine expenses."
~ President Asif Ali Zardari's message on World No To***co Day

"The latest research shows that, globally and in Pakistan, the use of ci******es, e-ci******es, va**ng devices, ni****ne pouches and other ni****ne products presents growing public health concerns. There is also evidence of concerning patterns of poly-substance use, where to***co and ni****ne products may coexist with other harmful substances, creating serious risks for young people and communities. Stronger awareness, regulation and prevention efforts are essential."

~ President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on World No To***co Day

"Children and young people remain particularly vulnerable. The to***co and ni****ne industry continues to target younger generations through evolving products and marketing approaches designed to create and sustain addiction. Early exposure to ni****ne heightens the risk of lifelong dependence and adverse health outcomes." ~ President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on World No To***co Day

"The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that to***co causes more than 7 million deaths every year worldwide, including about 1.6 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure. These figures should compel us to reflect on the scale of a public health challenge that continues to affect millions of people and families." ~ President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on World No To***co Day

Message from President Asif Ali Zardari on World No To***co Day (31 May 2026)

It has been almost four hundred years since early writings first drew attention to the health hazards of to***co. For decades, there has been a strong consensus in the scientific and health community that to***co products pose serious health and economic risks. Successive governments around the world, working with civil society, have taken a range of measures through regulation and awareness to reduce to***co use. Yet it continues to pose a serious threat to public health and economic wellbeing across the world, including Pakistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that to***co causes more than 7 million deaths every year worldwide, including about 1.6 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure.

These figures should compel us to reflect on the scale of a public health challenge that continues to affect millions of people and families.

Children and young people remain particularly vulnerable. The to***co and ni****ne industry continues to target younger generations through evolving products and marketing approaches designed to create and sustain addiction. Early exposure to ni****ne heightens the risk of lifelong dependence and adverse health outcomes.

The latest research shows that, globally and in Pakistan, the use of ci******es, e-ci******es, va**ng devices, ni****ne pouches and other ni****ne products presents growing public health concerns. There is also evidence of concerning patterns of poly-substance use, where to***co and ni****ne products may coexist with other harmful substances, creating serious risks for young people and communities. Stronger awareness, regulation and prevention efforts are essential.

Early exposure to ni****ne heightens the risk of lifelong dependence, adverse health outcomes and limited future opportunities. Widespread second-hand smoke exposure increases children’s vulnerability to asthma, pneumonia, ear infections, low birth weight and sudden infant death. The impact extends beyond health, placing a heavy burden on families and health systems.

To***co products are also closely linked with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions. These illnesses affect individuals and families in deeply personal ways and place sustained pressure on our hospitals, clinics and public health services.

For many households, the impact is not abstract. A working-age parent falling ill, repeated hospital visits, the cost of long-term treatment and reduced earning capacity can quickly strain already limited household resources. These pressures are felt in everyday life, from missed school days for children to the difficulties families face in managing routine expenses.

As your elder and as your head of state, I must tell you that this day is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect current and future generations from the harms of to***co products.

The time has come that besides other issues, our national parliament and provincial legislatures make laws and create effective enforcement mechanisms to protect our people and future generations and effectively resist the merchants of death.

Besides parliament and the government, parents, teachers, artists, poets, singers, musicians, actors, playwrights, healthcare professionals and community leaders all have a role in shaping awareness, discouraging the use of to***co products and creating an ecosystem to protect our people. Change at the household and community level can contribute meaningfully to national progress in public health.
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"At a time of growing global uncertainty and conflict, United Nations peacekeeping remains an important instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security. Pakistan reaffirms its strong support for UN peacekeeping and expresses solidarity with all peacekeepers serving under the UN flag in pursuit of peace and stability across the world."

~President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on International Day of United.

"Pakistan is also host to one of the oldest United Nations peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The continued presence and relevance of this Mission reaffirm the responsibility of the international community to support a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."

~ President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

"Pakistan joins the international community in paying tribute to the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of United Nations peacekeepers serving in difficult and often dangerous conditions across the world. We honour the courage and commitment of the 183 Pakistani peacekeepers who laid down their lives in the service of international peace and security." ~ President Asif Ali Zardari’s message on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

Message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (29 May 2026)

Pakistan joins the international community in paying tribute to the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of United Nations peacekeepers serving in difficult and often dangerous conditions across the world. We honour the courage and commitment of the 183 Pakistani peacekeepers who laid down their lives in the service of international peace and security.

For more than six decades, Pakistan has remained among the leading troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Over 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served with distinction in 48 UN missions across four continents. Pakistani women peacekeepers are also playing an increasingly important role in these missions. Their service reflects Pakistan’s abiding commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Pakistan is also host to one of the oldest United Nations peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The continued presence and relevance of this Mission reaffirm the responsibility of the international community to support a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In many conflict-affected regions, United Nations peacekeepers help protect civilians, support humanitarian assistance and create conditions in which hospitals, schools and basic public services can continue to function. Their work brings stability and hope to communities affected by conflict and displacement.

At a time of growing global uncertainty and conflict, United Nations peacekeeping remains an important instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security. Pakistan reaffirms its strong support for UN peacekeeping and expresses solidarity with all peacekeepers serving under the UN flag in pursuit of peace and stability across the world.