Anti-smoking measures go into effect

RAWALPINDI:

The government has reinforced its ban on smoking in all government offices, schools, hospitals, shopping malls and public transport.

Violators face fines ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs100,000.

Shops are now required to display notices when selling cigarettes, and selling tobacco within a 50-metre radius of educational institutions is strictly prohibited, with penalties of up to Rs0.1 million.

Authorised officers have the power to shut down shops, seize goods, and impose fines.

At an anti-smoking meeting chaired by Additional Commissioner Coordination Syed Nazrat Ali, strict enforcement of the 2002 Tobacco Control Ordinance was ordered.

Nazrat Shah emphasised the appointment of focal persons in all departments, especially within school education, and the training of staff.

"Protecting students from tobacco is our top priority," he said, highlighting the health dangers such as throat cancer, heart disease, and lung conditions.

Smoking causes over 160,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.

Citizens are encouraged to report violations through the "Smoke-Free Pakistan" app, as authorities push to make the region entirely smoke-free.