January 13, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 22, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The government’s steps to implement anti-smoking ordinance should be extended to provinces and remote districts of the country rather than focusing on federal capital only, said a statement of The Network for Consumer Protection here on Friday.

“The Supreme Court’s orders can be complied with completely only when the ordinance would be implemented in all parts of the country,” the statement said and added that provinces and district governments should also expedite their efforts to protect the non-smokers’ health at public places.

Smoking at enclosed places, public places and public transport continues despite some fines imposed by the traffic magistrates and secretary transport authority on the violators of law in the federal capital but this process should further gain momentum in capital and should be followed by administrations of cities and districts of provinces.

“Supreme Court has directed Ministry of Health and other institutions concerned to take concrete steps for implementation of the ordinance in letter and spirit but penalty to some violators in capital does not comply with the real spirit of the directions of honourable court,” it said.

“Although some statements and banners against smoking in public places can be witnessed, only awareness campaign on a limited scale cannot bear desired fruits.

Implementation of law needs concrete steps forthwith, otherwise a media wave against smoking in public places, stirred by SC orders, would go useless,” it said.

The Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance was promulgated in 2002 with an aim to promote public health and a smoke-free environment.