The Punjab government has officially designated all public parks in the province as smoke-free zones. This decision, announced by the Housing Department under the guidance of Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, comes through a formal notification.
According to the notification, the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002—specifically Sections 5 and 7—will now be strictly implemented in every park across Punjab. The new rules prohibit both smoking and the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes within park boundaries.
Additionally, tuck shops, cafes, and vending stalls inside parks are no longer allowed to sell any tobacco products. To ensure the public is informed, “No Smoking” signs and clear instructions will be displayed prominently in all parks. Park staff have been instructed to monitor visitors and enforce the ban.
This initiative is intended to create a healthier, smoke-free environment for families, children, and all park-goers throughout Punjab.
In a related development, Punjab has also launched a provincial Counter Narcotics Force. At the launch event in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of this new force in combating drug abuse.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs from the province, promising a zero-tolerance approach toward drug dealers. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister reviewed the parade and handed over the official flag to a Counter-Narcotics Force officer.