Tobacco manufacturers are not allowed to advertise their products on conventional channels, such as press and TV, according to an industry official. PHOTO: FILE
Philip Morris Pakistan Limited (PMPL) has challenged the federal government’s recent statutory regulatory order (SRO) regarding a complete ban on tobacco advertisement in the Sindh High Court (SHC), the company said in a press release on Friday.
The SRO 1086 (1) 2013, which was recently issued by the Federal Ministry of Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, prohibits advertisements of tobacco products – currently allowed albeit limitations – in their entirety, according to the company.
Tobacco manufacturers are not allowed to advertise their products on conventional channels, such as press and TV, according to an industry official.
However, the industry is permitted to advertise cigarette brands on the fascia of tobacco shops so long as it does not exceed its (current) legal limit of one square metre, the official added. “This also would be banned once the SRO under question becomes effective on May 31.”
“Philip Morris (Pakistan) Ltd. seeks to challenge the legality of the federal government’s SRO 1086 (1) 2013 because the authority to regulate health matters lies with the provinces, not the federal government,” the company said in an official statement.
The legality of it
Raising legal questions in its petition, the country’s second largest tobacco manufacturer said, “Since the 18th Amendment passed by the parliament in the year 2010 had devolved health as a subject to the provinces, the company believes that the courts should interpret the relevant constitutional provisions and declare whether the federal government can continue to issue regulations on health.”
However, the official said a section of press misquoted the company’s stance regarding the subject. The company challenged the SRO only against the banning of tobacco advertisement in its entirety, the official said.
The company supports all other regulatory measures or restrictions already in place on tobacco advertisement, the statement said.
“The company will not seek any reverse in regulations on tobacco advertisement and will keep supporting reasonable advertising regulations.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2014.
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@awGilani: As we are aware and compliment KSE listed tobacco group diversified tobacco business company/assets to Phillip Morris in Pakistan. The group with excellent reputation internationally and Pakistan realised to its responsibility for CSR and achieving UN-MDG hence they sold off to Phillip Morris. Phillip Morris and other international brands internationally following a Code of Conduct for advertisement on packaging of cigarette which is no printing/advertising of brand name on the cigarette box. Is Phillip Morris observing?
@Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed:
Philip Morris is more abiding to regulations/laws of the state than any of its competition in tobacco industry. Consider illegal brands/illicit trade, and tax evaders should be held accountable too.
Law is law, if it is out of federal govt's jurisdiction then the said company has the right to challenge and law should take it's course as long as tobacco business is legal in the country.
Pakistan has given an opportunity to Phillip Morris for FDI for the national group which dis-invested the united on CSR, and the UN-MDG. The dis-investing group is blessed. The opportunity to Phillip Morris is as I possibly not understand to observe the International norms for remove brand/label from packaging of the cigarette/box container, which is being followed/observed by Phillip Morris. Why packaging of Phillip Morris cigarettes are without label which is being observed in Europe, Australia and other regions.
These are the old tactics of tobacco companies. The question arises either the law made by health ministry will serve the anti-tobacco initiatives or not. These tobacco companies always play with the laws and regulations. On world no tobacco day , when whole world is working on anti tobacco initiatives, a tobacco company is making fun of Pakistani laws and regulatory authorities by challenging the laws. Such tactics will be helpful in promoting tobacco usage and will also discourage government anti-tobacco initiatives.