Press Release
SKIMS Observes World No Tobacco Day 2025
"All Participants Take a Solemn Pledge to Say No to Tobacco"

Srinagar, May 30, 2025:
The Department of Community Medicine at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) today marked World No Tobacco Day 2025 with a high-impact awareness program under this year’s global theme: “Unmasking the Appeal, Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The event sought to educate the public on the health hazards of tobacco and the manipulative strategies of the tobacco industry.

A highlight of the event was a collective pledge taken by all participants—including dignitaries, faculty, students, and staff—to abstain from tobacco use and advocate for a tobacco-free society. This pledge underscored the institution’s united front in fighting the tobacco menace and promoting healthier communities.

Justice Ali Mohammad Magray, Former Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he emphasized the power of education and legal enforcement in tackling tobacco-related issues. “Institutions like SKIMS have a responsibility to lead by example. When experts speak, people listen,” he said, urging strict implementation of existing tobacco control laws.

Mr. Akramullah Tak, Additional Commissioner Kashmir and Guest of Honour, also addressed the gathering, stressing the urgent need for collective action to curb tobacco use and its devastating health impacts.

Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS, lauded the Department of Community Medicine for organizing the event and reaffirmed the institute’s unwavering commitment to public health.
“Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death. SKIMS remains dedicated to spearheading awareness and outreach initiatives,” he emphasized.

Prof. Ashraf also underscored the importance of behavioural change and the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices. He announced that SKIMS will soon launch a comprehensive program to address this pressing public health challenge.

Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College, expressed concern over the growing trend of tobacco use among women and adolescents. He called for stronger policies and suggested installing smoke detectors in hospitals to enforce smoke-free environments.

The program featured a series of scientific and interactive sessions, including:

“Tobacco Prevention and Control – Challenges Posed by the Tobacco Industry” by Prof. Rohul Jabeen Shah, Community Medicine

“Tobacco-Induced Lung Cancer: A Clinical Overview” by Dr. Nazia Mahfooz, Assistant Professor, Respiratory Medicine

“Tobacco and Cancers” by Dr. Ulfat Ara Wani, Assistant Professor, Medical Oncology

“Tobacco Use: A Civil Society Perspective” by Prof. Abdur Rahman War, Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Srinagar


A panel discussion on “Multisectoral Strategies for Tobacco Control in J&K” brought together diverse stakeholders to share perspectives and propose actionable strategies to combat tobacco use in the region.

The event concluded with the reaffirmation of the anti-tobacco pledge, reinforcing the commitment of all attendees to champion a tobacco-free future. Senior faculty, heads of departments, and medical professionals from SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College were in attendance.

Issued Through PR Office SKIMS