PESHAWAR: A multi-stakeholder consultation on the draft bill prohibiting e-cigarettes and vapes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday proposed critical amendments to strengthen the legislation before its submission to the health department.

Organised by Blue Veins, a civil society organisation, in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tobacco Control Cell (KPTCC), the consultation brought together legal experts, district administration officials, representatives of the Tobacco Control Programme, social activists, and media professionals.

In his address, Qamar Naseem, programme manager at Blue Veins, highlighted the absence of laws regulating newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes and vapes in Pakistan.

“The tobacco industry markets these products as harm-reduction tools, but the WHO and health experts confirm that they are more dangerous than traditional cigarettes,” he stated.

Mr Naseem added over 40 countries had already banned e-cigarettes due to their severe public health risks.

“To address this regulatory gap, civil society organisations and public health advocates have long demanded comprehensive legislation,” he added.

Responding to this need, a draft bill titled the Prohibition of E-Cigarettes/Vapes, E-Liquids/Flavoured Additives and Related Chemicals Bill, 2025, has been developed.

The draft is now under consideration by the health department and the provincial government.

Following the incorporation of stakeholder feedback, the draft will be submitted to the technical advisory committee of the health department.

After review, it will be forwarded to the law department for vetting, and finally presented to the KP Assembly for approval.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2025