Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan says government will take all necessary measures to ensure the implementation of all relevant laws to enhance tax on cigarettes to reduce health cost.

Addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Thursday, he said reformulation of the health strategy that benefits the deprived groups more and improves the overall health structure is need of the time.

The Minister of State said government will overcome any challenges thrown by big tobacco industry in order to safeguard Pakistani children from harmful effects of tobacco.

He stressed the need to run an awareness campaign on media against smoking.