By Bilal Sheikh
Pakistan Chest Society (PCS) has expressed serious concern over the recent stay order issued by the Lahore High Court on the Punjab government’s decision to ban vaping shops. A statement issued by Pakistan Chest Society (PCS) President Prof. Dr. Shireen Khan said While PCS fully respects the wisdom and authority of the Honorable Court, it considers it its duty, as a professional and ethical responsibility that lies with it as the representative organization of the country’s leading respiratory specialists, to highlight the growing risks posed to young people by vaping and other nicotine products. The statement said that e-cigarettes and vaping devices are often presented as safe alternatives to traditional tobacco, but global research continues to reveal their harmful effects.
These include reduced lung function, the risk of nicotine addiction and a potential tendency towards smoking. The Punjab government’s move to ban these products was a far-sighted step based on scientific evidence and necessary to protect public health. Especially to keep young people safe. Unfortunately, the delay in implementing this decision due to the injunction, while legally correct, could allow these harmful products to take further root in our society. PCS respectfully appeals to all relevant parties to consider the broader public health implications of this matter alongside the legal process.The Pakistan Chest Society also calls on all other provincial governments to impose similar restrictions on vaping, tobacco, and nicotine-based products. These measures cannot be effectively implemented unless a unified national policy is adopted. The statement said that PCS also strongly urges the federal government to significantly increase taxes on all tobacco products.
Global evidence shows that higher taxes on tobacco not only reduce its use, especially among youth, but also the revenue generated from it can be used in the health sector.Finally, the PCS reaffirms the government’s commitment to partner with policymakers and the judiciary to reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases through scientific evidence-based policy advice and public awareness campaigns and enable a healthy, tobacco-free future for Pakistan.
