In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of the younger generation, the caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has enacted Section 144, placing restrictions on the storage, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes for individuals below 21 years of age, especially near educational institutions.
The decision, highlighted in an official notification from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department on Tuesday, comes in response to a concerning surge in the usage of e-cigarettes and vaping devices among children and youth across the province. The order underscores the escalating worries surrounding the widespread use of these products, attributing it to the highly addictive substance, nicotine.
Notably, e-cigarettes and vapes pose substantial health risks, particularly for children, youth, and pregnant women, leading to addiction and severe health issues. Recognizing these risks, the provincial government has invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 for a duration of 60 days.
According to the official order, a comprehensive ban has been imposed on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes to individuals below the age of 21 years throughout the province. In addition to the age restriction, a 50-meter radius ban has been enforced, prohibiting the sale, storage, and use of these products around all educational institutions in KP.
This decisive action aligns with the stance taken by Governor KPK Haji Ghulam Ali, who, in a meeting on January 11, expressed full support for the civil society’s call to impose a ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes and vaping. The implementation of Section 144 underscores the government’s commitment to curb the rising trend of e-cigarette use among the youth and protect the overall well-being of the community.
