A Pakistani boy smokes as he arranges packs of different brands of cigarettes on the international World No Tobacco Day in the Pakistani city of Islamabad, 31 May 2003. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: District authorities are planning to convert Lahore into a tobacco- free city in order to curb passive smoking, The Express Tribune said in a report on Thursday.
Once the plan goes through, smoking will be prohibited in public spaces such as:
1. Parks
2. Marriage Halls
3. Public transport
4. Tourist and recreational spots
Additionally, prayer leaders will be directed to discourage smoking in Friday sermons. Moreover, cigarettes will not be allowed to be sold within 50 metre radius of any educational institute, according to the report.
Although a comprehensive plan has been drafted, it is yet to be announced when and if it will be implemented.
According to the Express Tribune, “the ‘tobacco-smoke free city’ plan also involves forming a special task force to enforce the ban in public places, including tourist and recreational spots. A Tobacco Control Cell will also be set up in the office of Deputy Commissioner Lahore, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSRC).”
