Smoking is a bad habit that causes numerous types of cancer and leads to 7 million deaths worldwide each year, including 160,000 in Pakistan.
But during Ramadan 22 million Pakistanis quit smoking according to the study.
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The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from various universities in Pakistan, revealed that the number of people who quit smoking during Ramadan has increased significantly over the years.
Ramadan can provide a perfect opportunity for smokers to quit this dangerous habit.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a time for reflection, prayer, and fasting. It is a time when Muslims around the world refrain theirselves from food and water from dawn until dusk. Smoking is also prohibited during this time, and many Muslims take advantage of the holy month to quit smoking for good.
The study, which was conducted in major cities across Pakistan, found that the number of people who quit smoking during Ramadan has increased by 30% compared to previous years. The researchers also found that the number of people who quit smoking after Ramadan has also increased significantly.
Professor Sohail Akhtar, Head of Chest Diseases Department at Indus Hospital, suggests that Ramadan is an excellent time to give up bad habits and adopt good ones.
Smoking is a leading preventable disease worldwide, causing heart attacks, strokes, and many other illnesses. Moreover, tobacco addiction is difficult to overcome but not impossible.
Dr. Sohail Khan, a cardiologist at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, adds that quitting smoking during Ramadan is an act of worship and taking care of one’s health.
Dr. Ayesha Jamil, a researcher involved in the study, said that the findings were very encouraging. “We found that people are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of smoking and are taking steps to quit. Ramadan provides a great opportunity for people to quit smoking as they are already making changes to their lifestyle during this time.”
The experts recommend a six-week target to quit smoking, including the four weeks of Ramadan and the two weeks before or after the holy month.
The study also found that support from family and friends played a crucial role in helping people quit smoking during Ramadan. “We found that people who had support from their loved ones were more likely to quit smoking during Ramadan,” said Dr. Jamil.
The results of the study have been welcomed by health experts and anti-smoking campaigners in Pakistan. “This is a great achievement for Pakistan and shows that people are taking their health seriously,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a leading health expert in the country.
The study highlights the importance of creating awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and providing support to those who want to quit. It is hoped that the findings of this study will inspire more people in Pakistan and around the world to quit smoking and lead healthier lives.
