Tobacco control act implementation: penalty on violation of anti-smoking laws to be raised

Interior Ministry has decided to increase the penalty on violation of anti-smoking laws to ensure the strict implementation of tobacco control laws enacted by the Federal Government. Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik directed the Secretary Interior to draft a proposed action of law for enhancing the penalty in addition to fine as there is imprisonment of one year, in violation of tobacco control laws.
In a special directive issued by Interior Ministry here on Saturday, the Interior Minister also directed the Secretary Interior, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry to send instructions to all Home Secretaries to ensure the implementation on the 'Implementation of Smoking and Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002" throughout the country to discourage the use of tobacco.
The Minister took serious note of the reports regarding the use of tobacco particularly, Sheesha on public places and in restaurants and directed the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration to ensure implementation on anti-smoking laws.
ICT administration should ensure complete compliance of tobacco control laws in the Federal Capital, the Minister said, adding that Deputy Commissioner Islamabad should take measures to stop use of tobacco, particularly, sheesha in the Capital, the minister stated in his directive. He ordered the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to fully implement 'Implementation of Smoking and Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002" and control the use of tobacco in public places, which is an offence.
He directed him to ensure tobacco control measures, including complete ban on sale of sheesha to persons under 18 years of age while stop smoking in the indoors, no advertisements, as the advertisement of tobacco is an offence and no allowance for designated smoking areas at public places. The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to launch campaign to bring awareness through various means and measures while colleges and restaurants have been requested to co-operate with police and magistrate in this regard.