ISLAMABAD:Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) has issued official notices to the several prominent tobacco manufacturers for alleged breaches of tobacco advertisement guidelines stipulated under section 7 of the “Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002.

Exercising its mandate to establish a tobacco-free environment and safeguard non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, the Government of Pakistan introduced S.R.O.72(I)/2020 on January 30, 2020, pursuant to section 7 of the aforementioned Ordinance.

This regulation explicitly prohibits tobacco or tobacco product advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship through diverse mediums, encompassing posters, paintings, banners made from paper, plastic, cloth, screen displays, electronic displays, and any other materials within point-of-sale contexts-whether internal or external to premises.

The Government of Pakistan is also a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a landmark treaty that underscores the global commitment to curbing tobacco consumption and its adverse effects on public health. Official notices have been duly dispatched to the following tobacco manufacturers: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited, Khyber Tobacco Company, Samson Group of Companies, National Tobacco Company, Universal Tobacco Company, Civil Tobacco Company (Private) Limited, Wattan Tobacco Co (Private) Limited, Royal Tobacco Company Ltd, and Souvenir Tobacco Company Limited.

These entities have been formally instructed to furnish written responses within a ten-day timeframe from the date of notice issuance. These responses are expected to address the allegations and offer a rationale for the perceived violation of the law, according to an official statement issued here on Wednesday. The Ministry has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing tobacco control laws and regulations, thus fostering a healthier environment for the populace of Pakistan.