LHC hears plea to curb smoking, drug use

Judge seeks reply from provincial government

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shahid Jameel has sought reply from the provincial government on an application seeking enforcement of ban on smoking and use of drugs in educational institutions.

The petition filed through Advocate Azhar Siddique contended that use of drugs and smoking in universities, colleges and schools had become routine.

The petitioner submitted that he had written to Prime Minister Imran Khan and other authorities, seeking orders for action against drug peddling and smoking, but in vain.

He submitted that smoking caused cancer and addicted students also faced other serious health problems. Asthma, bronchitis and emphysema are a lingering threat.

The petitioner pointed out that the Punjab government had banned smoking in government schools and colleges throughout the province but despite measures taken in recent years, the sale of cigarettes to minors and near educational institutions did not end. No action has been taken by the authorities concerned against shopkeepers involved in selling smoking products to students.

It had been found that Punjab led the other provinces in selling cigarettes in the vicinity of educational institutions and to minors by 43.8% and 50%, respectively, he added.

The petitioner stated that the state is responsible to protect the lives of the citizens under article 9 and 14 of the Constitution by implementing the same provisions throughout the country.

He called for directives from the provincial government to the higher education department to take strict action against all students and officials found violating the rules and set up medical camps at every
campus for blood test of students found involved in smoking.

The petitioner sought strict action against drug dealers and addicts in schools, colleges and universities. He also sought immediate enforcement of the ban on smoking in all government and private educational institutions in light of the notification which had already been issued.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2021.