PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has enforced section 144 to ban the storage, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes for minors and within the vicinity of educational institutions within the province.
An official notification from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attributes this decision to the concerning surge in the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, especially among children and youth in the region.
In response to the escalating concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes and vapes among the youth, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department proposed a ban on their sale. In light of the growing popularity of these electronic smoking devices, the department has urged the implementation of a ban under Section 144.
Emphasizing the potential risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping, the Home Department underscores the necessity to restrict the sale of these products to individuals below the age of 21. Recognizing the detrimental impact on the younger population, the department aims to limit access to such items. This strategic initiative is geared towards fostering a safer environment for students and discouraging the use of these potentially harmful products.
As discussions unfold regarding the ban, stakeholders are vigilantly observing the situation to assess the effectiveness of these measures in safeguarding public health, particularly that of the youth.
