ISLAMABAD – Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services approved Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, paving way for its presentation in the House. The proposed law aims to bring sweeping restrictions on the sale, marketing, and use of e-cigarettes in the federal capital.
The bill, moved by Senator Sarmad Ali, comes amid mounting concern over the growing popularity of vaping among school and college students in Islamabad. Lawmakers say the unchecked spread of flavored nicotine products has turned vaping into a serious public health threat for youth.
One of bill’s toughest measures is a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes within 50 meters of any school, college, or educational institution, cutting off easy access for students. The legislation also makes it illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18, enforcing a strict age limit nationwide.
Under the proposed law, vaping will be treated on par with traditional tobacco products. If enacted, the use of e-cigarettes will be banned in public transport, government offices, public parks, and all shared public spaces. In a major blow to the vaping industry, the bill also enforces a total ban on all forms of vape advertising, including television commercials, social media promotions, and billboards—especially campaigns that target or appeal to minors.
To tighten oversight and protect consumers, the legislation introduces strict quality and safety standards. These include a maximum nicotine limit of 40 milligrams per milliliter, mandatory child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging, and clear health warnings on every product. Online platforms selling vaping products will be legally required to implement robust age-verification systems before completing any sale.
The bill outlines tough penalties for violations. Sellers who breach age or location restrictions could face an immediate fine of Rs50,000 for the first offense, while repeat offenders and those involved in the smuggling or sale of non-standardized e-liquids may face heavier fines and legal prosecution.
During committee deliberations, officials strongly warned that despite being marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, medical evidence shows that e-cigarettes pose serious long-term risks to respiratory health, particularly among young users.
The draft legislation is currently under review by relevant ministries to finalize enforcement mechanisms before its formal tabling in the Senate. Lawmakers have stressed the need for urgent action, calling vaping a rapidly escalating public health crisis that threatens the well-being of the nation’s youth.
Is vaping about to be banned in Pakistan after the new WHO report?
