A bill has been proposed in Sindh Assembly asking for a complete ban on gutka. According to the bill, there will be a fine of up to Rs 500,000 with 1-5 years in prison as punishment for the offenders. The bill was presented before the Assembly on Saturday.
The bill proposes a ban on selling and purchasing gutka at public places including hospitals, schools, colleges, etc.
Saeed Ghani, PPP leader, and a provincial minister told that there is already a similar bill in place, however, it isn’t being implemented. For reference, the Sindh government imposed a ban on the consumption of sheesha and gutka in 2016, directing the Inspector General Sindh Police to ensure its implementation.
It remains to be seen whether the Sindh government manages to control the increasing consumption of gutka, especially in schools, and colleges.
Do you think the bill will help reduce the use of gutka in the province? Let us know in the comments section.
