No more public smoking areas


May 14, 2010

ISLAMABAD:
The ministry of Health has directed the managements of hotels and restaurants to stop allocating designated areas for smokers in their premises which allow them to use cigarettes, pipes, cigars and sheesha.




According to official sources, they have been asked to implement anti-tobacco laws to protect the health of non-smokers as there is no permission of allocating any designated area for smokers. While taking notice of open use of tobacco in the premises of hotels, restaurants and international food chains, the ministry has asked the Chairman of Pakistan Hotels Association and President of Pakistan Food Association to take immediate steps for a complete ban on any form of smoking.



They said smoking in any form is totally banned in all places of public work or use including hotels and restaurants under section 2 of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002.



Officials said it has been decided that  the Federal Enforcement Committee with the representation of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Interior will conduct surprise visits to check the violation of the ordinance in the federal capital.



Sources said the committee will also make plans to create awareness among citizens regarding the negative effects of smoking and educate them about the tobacco control laws for proper implementation. They said District Implementation Committees have also been given the task to educate citizens about such laws to stop open use of tobacco in public places and offices. All stakeholders will be taken on board for proper implementation of the ordinance.




It was said that officials of all concerned ministries who are members of such a committee will make strategies to implement the tobacco control laws in their respective departments including educational institutions, offices etc.

COMMENTS (3)

Dr Javaid Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Our leaders have to set good example for the public.All places like Parliament,GHQ,President house must be smoke free.Last year I had a chance to visit President house for an official dinner.I was shocked to see ashtrays full of cigarette stubs on the tables.Passive smoking is surely not good for the president or the visitors to the president house.
Ali Haider | 13 years ago | Reply I don't see any connection there. What has this to do with conference room at the GHQ? On the other hand, govt., as always will fail in its implementation and i don't think that has anything to do with what happens inside GHQ.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ