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In an effort to combat the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes among the youth, the Deputy Commissioner of Mardan has implemented Section 144, restricting the sale of cigarettes and vaping devices to individuals below the age of 21. The DC has specifically imposed limitations within a 50-meter radius of educational institutions in the city.
Under the imposed restrictions, legal actions will be taken against violators, as warned by authorities, and penalties may be applied under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The move is part of ongoing initiatives to discourage the use of tobacco and vaping products, especially among the younger population.
In a related development, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) directed British American Tobacco (BAT) to cease advertising its e-cigarettes, particularly the Vype brand, on Instagram. The directive includes the prohibition of advertising on any public account on Instagram, including influencers’ accounts. The decision follows an investigation into seven Instagram posts by Vype, prompted by complaints from health groups about content likely to appeal to individuals below 18 years of age and the use of models appearing to be under 25, a practice prohibited in the UK. The ASA upheld the complaints, asserting that BAT had breached online advertising laws. The ruling emphasizes the regulatory scrutiny on tobacco and vaping advertising to protect younger audiences.
