‘Smokers can be removed by force’

ISLAMABAD: The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan on Monday clarified that any competent officer or police official above the rank of sub-inspector can force people off public property if they violate the ban on smoking in public places. The use of force to remove a person from public property is justified under Section 12 of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Ordinance 2002. Sources said a ban had also been imposed on cigarette advertisements to discourage smoking and directions had been issued to place ‘No Smoking’ signs at offices and other public places. Section 8 of the ordinance also restricts the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 18. Selling cigarettes and related materials within a radius of 50 metres around schools and colleges and other educational institutions has also been banned, they added. Violators of the public smoking ban can be fined up to Rs 1,000 and a repeat offender can be fined up to Rs 100,000, sources added. Similarly, people found selling cigarettes in banned areas or advertising tobacco products can be fined up to Rs 5,000 and a repeat offender will be punished with a three-month imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 100,000. The Law Commission said public places include playgrounds, public parks, restaurants, offices, cinemas, hotel lobbies, waiting rooms, libraries, the Railway Station, bus stands, stadiums, educational institutions and public sites. Official sources said it was the responsibility of the people and the heads of departments in offices to help implement the ordinance for a better environment. —Staff Report

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