pakistani girls getting to be chain smoker,a repot

The sample was drawn from both government and private schools in the southern port city. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. While most girls admitted to smoking to keep a check on their weight, the findings endorsed other studies which suggest that sex differences in tobacco use are disappearing and that tobacco companies are aggressively targeting women in developing countries. The percentage of Pakistani teen girl smokers is higher than that reported in some Indian cities as well as neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka. "It is distressing how often studies of girls' smoking rates in countries previously protected by cultural and religious factors are finding results well on the way to catching up males of comparable age," said a report in the Tobacco Control Journal, which cited the study.ISLAMABAD: Pakistani girls may be getting hooked to smoking as early as 15 years, says a new study. The study conducted by the Aga Khan University shows that 16 per cent of girls have tried smoking by the age of 15, while over six per cent smoked at least once a month by that age. Interestingly, the users were found to be aware of the hazards of smoking.