Lahore High Court upholds the federal government’s notification banning tobacco, cigarette and paan advertising, citing public health concerns.
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has declared the advertising of tobacco and paan products illegal, upholding a federal government notification restricting their promotion.
The decision was issued by Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh shortly before his resignation from the Lahore High Court. The court rejected a petition challenging the federal government’s notification banning the advertising of cigarettes, tobacco and paan products.
In its ruling, the court noted the government’s position that advertising tobacco, cigarettes and paan could have negative consequences for public health. It emphasized that protecting public health and establishing a healthy environment are constitutional requirements.
The court further held that there is no permanent constitutional right to advertise tobacco products. It also rejected concerns that restrictions on advertising would necessarily lead to an increase in illegal trade.
The ruling effectively upholds the federal government’s notification and reinforces restrictions on the promotion of tobacco-related products.
The court’s decision comes amid broader public health concerns surrounding tobacco use and the exposure of consumers, particularly young people, to tobacco-related advertising. However, the ruling specifically focused on the legal status of advertising restrictions and the government’s authority to regulate such promotions.
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