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Parks

Punjab Declares Public Parks Smoke-Free Zones, Extends Enforcement of Anti-Tobacco Law

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards creating a healthier environment for residents by declaring all public parks in the province smoke-free zones. This move extends the enforcement of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002, to recreational parks, effectively banning the use, sale, and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products. Under this directive, park authorities are instructed to install 'No smoking' signage and commence strict enforcement, with fines of up to Rs1,000 for first-time offenders and harsher penalties for repeat violations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Punjab government has extended the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002, to all public parks in the province, making them smoke-free zones.
  • Park staff are empowered to eject violators, and designated enforcement officers may pursue legal action under Section 12 of the ordinance.
  • Kiosks, food outlets, and vending stalls within parks are barred from selling cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco-related products.
  • The new policy targets traditional and emerging nicotine products, aiming to reduce second-hand smoke exposure and discourage smoking in family-oriented spaces, especially among minors and urban youth.
  • Health officials estimate that tobacco use is responsible for an estimated 164,000 deaths annually in the country, with a cost of Rs700 billion each year in healthcare expenditures and productivity losses.
  • Pakistan ratified the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, but implementation remains inconsistent.
  • A 2023 multi-city survey found that 43 per cent of urban youth reported current e-cigarette use, with many introduced through influencer campaigns lacking health warnings or age restrictions.

Statistics:

  • 164,000 estimated annual deaths due to tobacco use in the country.
  • Rs700 billion estimated annual cost in healthcare expenditures and productivity losses due to tobacco use.
  • Rs298 billion tax revenue contributed by the tobacco industry in the last year.
  • 43 per cent of urban youth reported current e-cigarette use in a 2023 multi-city survey.
  • Rs1,000 maximum fine for first-time offenders.
  • Section 12 of the ordinance allows designated enforcement officers to pursue legal action against violators.

Sources:

  • Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002 (APPSH 2002).
  • [Publication date not specified].
  • Kiosks, food outlets, and vending stalls within parks are barred from selling cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco-related products, according to a notification issued by the provincial housing department.
  • Amina Tariq, a mother of two visiting the Jilani Park.
  • Pakistan ratified the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004.
  • 2023 multi-city survey found that 43 per cent of urban youth reported current e-cigarette use.
  • Industry contributed Rs298 billion in tax revenue last year.

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