Vaping to be Banned in Islamabad? New Bill Explained

Vaping faces significant restrictions in Islamabad under the proposed Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill. The legislation aims to ban sales near educational institutions, prohibit use in public spaces, and strictly regulate advertising to curb youth access. It has been approved by the Senate Standing Committee for presentation in the House.

Key Takeaways:

School Ban: Sales prohibited within 50 meters of schools and colleges.
Public Use: Vaping banned in public transport, parks, and government buildings.
Advertising: Total ban on all forms of vape advertising, including social media.
Safety Standards: Nicotine capped at 40 mg/ml; child-resistant packaging required.

The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill refers to new legislation aimed at controlling the sale, promotion, and consumption of e-cigarettes in Islamabad, driven by rising concerns over youth vaping prevalence. The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services has greenlit the bill, paving the way for its debate in the House.

Strict Measures to Protect Youth

Senator Sarmad Ali introduced the bill to address what legislators view as a growing public health crisis among students. A central provision is the total prohibition of e-cigarette sales within a 50-meter radius of any educational institution, directly targeting accessibility for students. Additionally, the law reinforces a strict ban on sales to individuals under 18.

Public Space Restrictions and Industry Impact

If passed, the law will equate vaping with traditional smoking, banning its use in:

Public transport
Government buildings
Public parks
Shared public spaces

The bill also delivers a significant blow to the industry by imposing a total ban on advertising across all media, including TV and social media. To ensure safety, products must meet stringent standards, such as a maximum nicotine content of 40 mg/ml and child-resistant packaging. Online retailers will also face mandatory age-verification requirements.

Read more: Pakistan Proposes Ban on Vapes for Under-18s & Near Schools

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Marcus Sterling

Marcus Sterling is a distinguished authority in the global vaping sector, with over 12 years of experience documenting the industry's evolution from a niche hobby to a mainstream lifestyle.

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