Sir: Smoking is a very bad habit and is becoming more common in our society. Everybody knows that smoking has negative effects on one’s health. Tobacco is the main constituent of cigarettes. It acts as a slow poison. It is the worst thing for human health. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world. Not only is smoking injurious to our health, it also poses threat to others. Smoking is a sheer waste of money. Million of rupees are spent on cigarettes every year. In my opinion, the media should discourage this bad habit. The media should create awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. People must be repeatedly advised to refrain from smoking. It is hoped that the media would make all possible efforts to convince people to abandon this bad habit. SOBH BHATTI Karachi