RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has directed the inspector general of police and district administrations to ensure the enforcement of tobacco control laws and to launch a 10-day campaign regarding the enforcement of the said laws across the province.

The campaign will be starting Tuesday, April 18 and will continue till April 27 during which the police’s mobile education units will be used to raise awareness regarding tobacco control laws.

Punjab Highway Patrol Police posts are also likely to conduct seminars and walks at public places, schools and bus stands and will also be distributing pamphlets and leaflets in this regards.

Under ‘The Prohibition of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002’, all places of public work or use and public vehicles are tobacco smoke free.

It also prohibits the sale of cigarettes and other smoking substances to anyone under the age of 18 years and section nine of the law bans the sale, storage and distribution of tobacco products within a 50 metre radius of educational institutions.

The law makes it obligatory to display a no-smoking sign at all places of public use and work places and police officers in the rank of ASI or above are authorised to take action against violators.

Local authorities have been unable to implement the law and people can be seen smoking in restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals and public places.

Due to lack of smoking zones, citizens are also subjected to second-hand smoking.

This is the first time the provincial government has directed the police across the province to launch an anti-smoking campaign and enforce tobacco control laws.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2017