Islamabad (HRNW)— The Federal Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Gutka Act, reiterating that gutka — a form of chewing tobacco — poses severe health risks and is a major cause of oral cancer.
During the hearing, Justice Hassan Rizvi remarked that gutka is even more harmful than cigarettes, and hospitals are seeing a growing number of patients suffering from related illnesses. The petitioner’s lawyer cited lack of instructions from their client, prompting the court to make a wry comment suggesting that the client could be summoned to chew gutka in the courtroom as a demonstration of its effects. The court subsequently rejected the appeal.
Health experts have long warned that continued gutka consumption contributes to cancer, dental disease, and other serious medical conditions, making the legislation crucial for public safety.
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