KARACHI, Dec 15: The government has taken serious notice of violation of its directive for ensuring implementation of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002 particularly in educational institutions, health centres, government offices and public transports.

The blatant violation of the ordinance is being witnessed at public places, even in hospitals and public transport, and there is no one to check and take action against the violation.

A meeting held in Islamabad two days back reviewed the progress of enforcement of the ordinance and directed the provincial governments to focus on checking smoking at public places and protect non-smokers from the hazards of passive smoking.

The Supreme Court had also issued directives seeking implementation of the ordinance and the chief secretary had asked the administrative secretaries/ DCOs to nominate focal persons in each department for strict enforcement of the law as was notified by the government in November.