LAHORE, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): In a significant step toward strengthening cancer prevention efforts, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), in collaboration with the Surgical Oncology Society of Pakistan (SOS-PK), has officially launched the country’s first-ever Pakistan Cancer Awareness Program (P-CAP). The initiative coincides with World No Tobacco Day and supports the ongoing National Anti-Smoking Campaign.
The concept of P-CAP was developed by Professor Dr. Zeeshan Danish, Director General of PBM, and launched on the recommendation of Senator Captain (Retd) Khalid Shaheen Butt, Managing Director of PBM. The launch ceremony was held at the Lahore Press Club, organized by PBM’s Regional Office Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Danish and Senator Butt reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling cancer through preventive strategies, public awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive support for patients and their families. They emphasized the urgent need to address rising cancer rates—many linked to tobacco use—through a coordinated, national response.
As part of the broader initiative, PBM and SOS-PK will co-host a Public Awareness Conference at Ittefaq Hospital, followed by an Awareness Walk on World No Tobacco Day. The event will bring together students from medical and pharmacy colleges, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to promote early cancer detection and highlight the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases.
P-CAP’s mission is to foster a cancer-aware, health-conscious Pakistan. Its key objectives include raising nationwide awareness about cancer risks and prevention, improving access to screening and treatment services, and offering both financial and psychosocial support to affected individuals and their families.
This landmark initiative reflects PBM’s expanding role in public health and marks a crucial milestone in building the country’s resilience against cancer. Through education, collaboration, and strategic healthcare interventions, P-CAP aims to create lasting change in the fight against one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
