This stirred a debate on social media and activists working for strict tobacco laws criticized the government for accepting the donation, saying that it will influence the government's commitment of reducing the tobacco consumption in the country.
Dr Mirza clarified: "Tobacco contribution to dam fund has no link whatsoever to government's anti-tobacco policy. Prime Minister Imran Khan is firmly committed to Pakistan's obligations under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Health is very high priority for the prime minister."
More than 160,000 people are killed by tobacco-caused diseases in Pakistan every year and the activists have been pushing the government to initiate measures to lower the tobacco consumption.
Meanwhile Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Human Development Foundation (HDF) and Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) launched an anti-tobacco awareness campaign.
Sana Ullah Ghuman, General Secretary PANAH said that Pakistan is one of the fifteen countries worldwide with the heavy burden of tobacco related ill health issues.
He said there are laws to control tobacco sales for minors to promote the healthy lifestyles. Reduce smoking result in better health and decrease the cost government on health.
Colonel Azhar Saleem (retd)-chief executive officer HDF said in a statement that tobacco companies are targeting the markets of minors and women to expand their future markets by expanding business. He added that growing habits of smoking in youngsters is the initial step to get attracted for drugs.