Islamabad, August 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has taken a resolute stand against violations of tobacco control laws by well-known tobacco manufacturers. As the guardian of public health protection and regulation in Pakistan, the Ministry has issued official notices to several prominent tobacco manufacturers for alleged breaches of tobacco advertisement guidelines stipulated under section 7 of the “Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002.” Exercising its mandate to establish a tobacco-free environment and safeguard non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, the Government of Pakistan introduced S.R.O.72(I)/2020 on January 30, 2020, pursuant to section 7 of the aforementioned Ordinance.

This regulation explicitly prohibits tobacco or tobacco product advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship through diverse mediums, encompassing posters, paintings, banners made from paper, plastic, cloth, screen displays, electronic displays, and any other materials within point-of-sale contexts – whether internal or external to premises. It is noteworthy that the Government of Pakistan is also a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a landmark treaty that underscores the global commitment to curbing tobacco consumption and its adverse effects on public health. By taking robust action against violations of tobacco advertisement guidelines, Pakistan aligns itself with the principles enshrined in the FCTC, further solidifying its dedication to public health.

Official notices have been duly dispatched to the following tobacco manufacturers: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited, Khyber Tobacco Company, Samson Group of Companies, National Tobacco Company, Universal Tobacco Company, Civil Tobacco Company (Private) Limited, Wattan Tobacco Co (Private) Limited, Royal Tobacco Company Ltd, and Souvenir Tobacco Company Limited. These entities have been formally instructed to furnish written responses within a ten-day timeframe from the date of notice issuance. These responses are expected to address the allegations and offer a rationale for the perceived violation of the law. It is unequivocally communicated that, should these tobacco manufacturers fail to provide satisfactory responses within the stipulated period, the Ministry will not hesitate to take requisite legal measures, as prescribed by section 11(b) read with section 14 of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002.

The Ministry of NHSR and C reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enforcing tobacco control laws and regulations, thus fostering a healthier environment for the populace of Pakistan. The well-being and health of every citizen remains the foremost priority, and the actions undertaken by the Ministry underscore its resolute dedication to upholding public health standards and safeguarding non-smokers against the detrimental impacts of tobacco usage.

For more information, contact:

Principal Information Officer,

Press Information Department (PID)

Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324

Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326

Email: piopid@gmail.com

Website: www.pid.gov.pk