Fact Check: Vape is not banned in Punjab despite viral posts claims.
Several social media pages started sharing posts that vaping products including vape pods have been banned in Punjab, with heavy fines, legal cases and imprisonment.
In fact, according to available legal and judicial updates, are misleading and do not support the legislation. The narratives circulating online, claiming total bans, FIRs, and stiff financial penalties, are fabricated.
At present, the Punjab government’s actions are limited to regulatory measures and public health advisory rather than legal prohibition.
Retail operations may continue under normal regulatory conditions, including applicable age restrictions and public smoking laws. Any future ban would require formal legislation to be implemented.
In June last year, the Punjab government announced a crackdown on vaping and e-cigarette products, citing increasing use among youth and associated health concerns. Following the directive, authorities reportedly sealed several vape shops and imposed restrictions on the advertising, sale and distribution of vaping products.
Despite enforcement actions, no formal law has been enacted at the Punjab or federal level that expressly prohibits the sale, possession or use of vaping products. Legal experts and court proceedings show that regulatory action was initiated without a relevant legislative framework.
The issue was challenged by vape shop owners, more than 70 businesses approached the Lahore High Court. The court later granted interim relief and ordered that the sealed shops be reopened and directed authorities to stay enforcement actions until appropriate legislation is enacted.
The court observed that no existing law criminalizes vaping products in Pakistan and noted that imports of such products continue to be subject to federal tax and regulatory mechanisms.
Officials indicated that draft legislation to regulate vaping products is under consideration. However, until such laws are formally enacted, no province-wide bans or criminal penalties specifically targeting vaping are legally enforceable.
As the government has signaled its intention to more tightly regulate vaping, there is currently no enforceable ban across the province.
‘No crackdown on vape sellers until proper legislation’, Lahore High Court verdict
The post Fact Check: Vape Not Banned In Punjab Despite Claims Of Viral Posts appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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