Khyber pakhtunkhwa govt bans tobacco sales near schools
Divisional committee directs strict enforcement of tobacco control laws, bans sales near schools, and announces tobacco-free public parks across all districts.
A meeting of the Divisional Implementation and Monitoring Committee on Tobacco Control was held at the Commissioner’s Office, Abbottabad, under the chairmanship of Commissioner Hazara Division, Fayaz Ali Shah. Officers from all districts attended the meeting via video link.
During the meeting, the Health Department Coordinator gave a detailed briefing on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the ongoing measures being taken to control it.
Commissioner Hazara Fayaz Ali Shah said that protecting the young generation from the harmful effects of tobacco is a collective responsibility. He directed all Deputy Commissioners to organise awareness sessions in schools, colleges, and universities in collaboration with the Department of Special Education and other relevant departments.
He further instructed that the sale of tobacco products within 50 meters of educational institutions be strictly prohibited. Shopkeepers should first be issued warnings, and legal action should be taken in case of violations.
Commissioner Fayaz Ali Shah also directed all Deputy Commissioners to declare major public parks in their districts as “Tobacco-Free Parks” and issue formal notifications accordingly. Signboards reading “Smoking is Prohibited Here” should be prominently displayed at park entrances.
It was also decided that district-level enforcement committee meetings should be convened immediately, and Assistant Commissioners should be directed to take effective measures to ensure the implementation of tobacco control laws.
Also read: Tobacco Tactics and Counter Narratives: A Global Health Challenge
