The Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 states that smoking is not allowed in public areas. The aim is to keep one person’s harmful habit from adversely influencing others in the society.
But despite the existence of the anti-smoking law, a serious lapse in its enforcement is the lack of no-smoking signs in public places.
“The government should install no-smoking sign boards at all the public and commercial areas, not only to enforce the law effectively but also to give directions to nonsmokers for lodging complaints against violators,” said Dr Arif Azad, head of The Networks for Consumer Protection.
With an absence of sign boards, health-conscious people are often found arguing with those smoking freely in public places.
Mohammad Imran, a
student, was seen reasoning with a Toyota Hiace driver in an effort to stop him from smoking inside the public transport.
Talking to The Express Tribune, he expressed his concern over the lack of warning sign boards and awareness.
“I tried to stop the driver from smoking but he did not pay any heed. When I told him that according to the law he was not supposed to smoke inside the van, he said ‘kahan likha hai’ (where is it written),” said Imran.
Lack of awareness and official implementation leaves the law as a weak argument that seldom works.
A citizen Sahil Aashiq said, “Public smokers should be locked up and fined, it is the only way to effectively implement this law.”
Talking to the Express Tribune, DC Islamabad Amer Ali Ahmed said the installation of no smoking sign boards at public and commercial areas was never considered by the Islamabad Administration. Ramzan Sajid, spokesman CDA assured that installation of no-smoking signs would be considered.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2010.
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