In a land mark development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has imposed section 144 to ban storage, sale and use of e-cigarettes and vapes to minors and within vicinity of educational institutions in the province. “The decision has been taken in wake of alarming increase in use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices particularly among children and youth in the province,” reads an official notification issued here on Tuesday by Home and Tribal Affairs Department of Khyber Pakhtukhwa.
The concern over increasing use of e-cigarettes and vapes is heightened due to presence of nicotine in these products which is a highly addictive substance, reads the order. The use of e-cigarettes and vapes possess significant health risks, especially to children, youth and women (pregnant) as it can lead to addiction and other serious health issues.
In response to these concerns and to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens, especially younger generation, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 be imposed for a period of 60 days, the document continued.
