ISLAMABAD: The Punjab authorities has introduced a strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002 throughout the province, together with Rawalpindi, with fines starting from Rs1,000 to Rs100,000 for violations in public areas.
Smoking will now be prohibited in academic establishments, authorities places of work, hospitals, purchasing malls, and public transport. The severity of fines will depend upon the character of the offence, with penalties as excessive as Rs100,000 for repeat violations.
A gathering chaired by Further Commissioner Coordination Syed Nazrat Ali outlined measures for the ordinance’s implementation, with officers from related departments receiving briefings on enforcement actions.
It’s now necessary for cigarette retailers to show warning notices, and the sale of cigarettes inside 50 meters of academic establishments is strictly prohibited. Violators face fines between Rs5,000 and Rs100,000.
Nazrat Ali emphasised that designated officers have the authority to impose fines, shut down retailers, and confiscate items for non-compliance. He additional highlighted the significance of tobacco management, with a deal with defending college students from tobacco use.
The provincial authorities has additionally directed public establishments, significantly these underneath the College Training Division, to nominate focal individuals and trainers to supervise tobacco management efforts. “Our precedence is to safeguard college students from the dangerous results of tobacco,” Nazrat Ali stated, noting that tobacco-related illnesses contribute to over 160,000 deaths yearly.
Residents can report violations by way of the Smoke-Free Pakistan cell app, as regional efforts proceed to make Punjab a smoke-free province.