We hear a lot these days about efforts of the government for controlling use of tobacco. However, where is the implementation of these laws and policies? Let us look at the facts. There are supposed to be smoke-free public places with smoking restrictions all over Pakistan. However, we all know that even the '100% smoke-free' facilities are not smoke-free in reality. The only implementation we ever witness is some sporadic advertisements in the print media by the government. Similarly, there are tax laws to increase prices of cigarettes and keep them out of reach of the youth. However, the market is flooded with local and smuggled brands of cheap cigarettes that have been put on racks with out paying any duties. The recent addition to such paper laws is the restriction of offering free stuff with cigarettes. The law, in its intention, is welcome and long over due. Such free incentives do entice the youth into smoking. In reality, though, these laws are only on paper. -DR JAHANZEB CHANGEZI, Lahore, via e-mail, July 9.