No Law Exists To Prevent Use Of E-cigarette, E-shisha: Committee

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 03rd Oct, 2016 ) : The Sub Committee of Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Co- ordination, Monday was informed that there existed no law to prevent use of e-cigarette and e-shisha in the country.

The committee, chaired by Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak, was briefed on the "prohibition of smoking and protection of non smokers health (amendment) bill,2016." The committee was briefed for implementation twice in an year on Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) laws in the country.

A representative of the ministry said that 86 percent children under six-year age had sufficient knowledge that what was the smoking and from where cigarettes were purchased. Chairman Nauman Wazir said smoking was injurious to health but since a large number of people were associated with cigarette production industry, the committee needed to work on "the prohibition of smoking and protection of non smokers health (amendment) bill,2016.

" He observed that the laws related to smoking already existed in the country but there needed some measures to ensure their implementation.

A representative of cigarette manufacturers said there were many laws regarding smoking and there was no need for more legislation, adding that there should be implementation on the existing laws and manufacturer companies were in favour for further strict punishments.

He expressed astonishment that a packet of cigarettes was being sold at the price of Rs 30 in the open market despite the fact that there was Rs 40 tax on each packet, questioning that from where the cigarettes come.

The Secretary of Ministry said that it was the responsibility of provinces to ensure implementation of the smoking related laws. The Secretary further said that 59 percent deaths and diseases were due to smoking and added that principally they have no objection on amendment bill.