Pakistan moves to regulate e-cigarettes amid rising youth vaping

Pakistan has introduced a new bill in parliament aimed at regulating the use of e-cigarettes and related products, amid rising concerns over vaping trends among the country’s youth.

The proposed law seeks to expand the scope of existing anti-smoking legislation to cover electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and impose stricter penalties on violators, particularly around educational institutions.

Senator Sarmad Ali tabled the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health (Amendment) Act, 2025, in the Senate last week.

It proposes key amendments to the 2002 ordinance of the same name, expanding its definitions and provisions to include ENDS products such as e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens, e-shisha, heated tobacco devices, pods, e-liquids, and other related items.

The government raised no objections during the session and the Senate chairman has referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further review.

Key features of the proposed bill:

 
• ENDS inclusion: E-cigarettes and related devices will be classified as smoking products under the law.
 
• Public use ban: Use of vapes and e-cigarettes will be prohibited in public places and places of public work.
 
• Sales restrictions:
   
  • Ban on sale of ENDS to individuals under the age of 18.
   
  • Prohibition of sales within educational institutions and within a 50-meter radius of schools and colleges.
   
 
• Advertising prohibition: Advertising of e-cigarettes and similar products will be banned entirely.
 
• Designated smoking areas: The federal government will issue guidelines for allocating designated smoking zones to shield non-smokers from secondhand exposure.
 
• Public transport ban: Use of both traditional and electronic cigarettes will be banned in all forms of public transportation.
 
• Penalties:
   
  • General non-compliance: Fine ranging from PKR 20,000 to PKR 50,000.
   
  • Selling ENDS within or near educational institutions: PKR 100,000 fine.
   
  • Repeat offenses: Up to one year of imprisonment, or both fine and jail time.
   
 
• Regulatory Powers: The federal government will be authorized to prescribe standards related to the manufacture, packaging, sale, and promotion of ENDS.
 

The bill’s statement of objectives outlines the primary purpose as expanding the ordinance to explicitly cover ENDS and related products, banning their use in public and regulating their sale and marketing to prevent youth access and exposure.

Speaking to Nukta, Senator Sarmad Ali emphasized the urgent need for such legislation, particularly to safeguard younger generations.

“The use of electronic cigarettes is rising in our society, especially among youth. This needs to be addressed urgently. It’s everyone’s responsibility to reject all forms of smoking to build a healthy and constructive society,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the bill was referred to the respective standing committee for discussion and subsequent process.