Pakistan has banned smoking in indoor public places as well as tobacco advertising.
The sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 years-old or within 50 metres of educational establishments will also be banned.
Smokers will receive heavy fines for violating the new law, which covers most public buildings but not open spaces.
Sellers or advertisers who are repeat offenders may also receive a prison sentence.
The Pakistani authorities say the law, which will come into effect once it has been published in the official government newspaper, is designed to protect the health of non-smokers.
I didn’t see that coming. Did someone else? Any back ground?
Remember, smoking per se is not a problem.. u can smoke as much as you want.. but please don't smoke in closed rooms where non-smokers are forced to inhale the smoke. Thats the purpose of the law.
Re: enforcement, yeah, it will be tough, especially because a large group of our elite feel its their god-given right to flaunt every law. Age restriction is interesting, because it inherently relies on driving license or national id card. As Fraudia pointed out, it will be interesting to see how corner khokha wala complies with this law. I suspect, this will merely be used as another tool by our police to victimize these poor fellows and grab some extra bhatta from them. If that happens, it will be a shame.
The really positive aspect of this move is that finally it seems our government has broken the shakles of the extremely powerful tobacco lobby in the country... the Lakson Tobaccos and Pakistan Tobaccos of our country who sponsor almost all the major sports events and give billions in political contributions must be quite displeased with this new law. It just goes to show that there are some advantages of a non-democratic governments, as they are willing to take actions if these actions are good for the country, which a democratic government might be unwilling to take due to pressure from fund-donors or constituents.
In addition stopping advertisements for Tobacco has to be a gradual thing as these ads are all over the place. There will be a significant revenue drop for the government treasury as a result of this move. A welcome move nonetheless, though I hope they are not underestimating the revenue short-fall and have planned accordingly.
There have been such bans levied before in various cities in Pakistan, like ban on smoking in public places( particularly hospital, buses etc), fine on cars if they are seen going around causing pollution, strict orders that men would not sit in the front portion of the bus reserved for ladies.
Well, every campaign dies down after a week or two. The reason is that
1) We aren't serious about our environment and surroundings.
2) Illetracy is rampant as is poverty.
3) THere are no stringent measures taken or fines levied on those who break the laws.
The laws that we implement are without essence.
" Laws not enforced ceased to be laws,and rights not defended may wither away." Thomas Moriarty.
Police need an incentive to enforce the law. they should be given commision for each ticket they hand out. This will make the whole thing really effective.
You cant control smoking completely, but this will help to lesson the missery of non smokers, and improve the country image. Its a good idea that should have been implemented years ago.
Just the fact that such a law is now on the books is a good thing. Enforcement may be tough (especially on sales) but atleast now people as well as authorities have a legal and not just a cultural/societal or common sense aspect to stop people
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