ntroducing new policies may appear straightforward on paper, yet their true value lies in effective and timely implementation. Pakistan’s experience serves as a reminder: the Higher Education Commission introduced a comprehensive ban on all tobacco products in universities in 2015. However, over time, enforcement weakened and many campuses now accommodate designated smoking spaces. This history underscores that policies must be paired with robust monitoring and genuine commitment.
The recent notification by the Government of the Punjab marks a significant departure from earlier efforts. Under a strict zero-tolerance policy, the new rules ban smoking, vaping devices, cigarettes, nicotine pouches and all other nicotine or tobacco-related products in educational institutions. This move is not merely symbolic. It is a deliberate step aimed at curbing the growing trend of tobacco, nicotine and other drug use among students—a trend driven in part by a misguided perception that vaping and similar products are harmless alternatives. In essence, this policy seeks to draw a clear line with conviction, much like a sturdy fence that protects a garden from invasive weeds.
Crucially, the notification is supported by SRO 654 and 655 from the Ministry of Health, which detail the enforcement powers and identify the responsible authorities. This clarity in the implementation strategy offers hope that the new measures will overcome the pitfalls of previous efforts. Yet, challenges remain. Educational institutions have long been environments where tobacco use has been normalised, partly due to the easy availability of these products around campuses. For the ban to succeed, strict monitoring must extend beyond school gates to include local vendors, with heavy penalties for those who supply tobacco to underage individuals.
The influence of the tobacco industry cannot be underestimated. Historically, industry lobbying and misleading campaigns have delayed or diluted public health measures. The current initiative must, therefore, be shielded from such interference, ensuring that the intended benefits reach the target group —our students—without compromise. Effective enforcement will require more than just institutional oversight. Pakistan has seen several well-intended policies fail due to weak monitoring mechanisms, unclear accountability and lack of coordination between enforcement agencies. To avoid a similar fate, this ban must be accompanied by a clear framework ensuring consistent monitoring, strict penalties and a designated authority responsible for implementation. Additionally, vendors selling tobacco near educational institutions should face heavy fines or licence revocation if they continue to sell nicotine products to students.
The journey toward a tobacco-free academic environment has been fraught with challenges. The renewed commitment and enhanced regulatory measures signal a promising turn.
A major shortcoming in past tobacco control measures has been the lack of involvement of parents and educators. Schools and universities should incorporate awareness programmes to educate students on the long-term health risks of nicotine addiction. Teachers and administrators should be trained to recognise signs of tobacco use and provide counselling rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Parents also play a key role in discouraging tobacco consumption by fostering open discussions and setting positive examples at home.
To further strengthen the impact of this policy, Pakistan could learn from successful global practices in tobacco control. Many countries have implemented plain packaging laws, aggressive taxation and stringent age restrictions to deter youth tobacco consumption. Pakistan should explore similar strategies to complement this ban and ensure a sustained reduction in smoking and vaping among students.
While the notification is an important step, additional measures are needed to reinforce its success. The government must consider increasing tobacco taxes, making nicotine products more expensive and inaccessible to students. Additionally, stricter advertising restrictions and banning the sale of vaping products entirely should be evaluated. Without these complementary measures, students may still find ways to access and consume tobacco despite the institutional ban.
This bold notification from the Punjab is an exemplary model for other provinces and even federal bodies to emulate. By reinforcing the legal framework with clearly defined enforcement powers and by acknowledging past shortcomings, the government is taking a meaningful step toward a healthier future. The success of this policy will depend on a collective effort from administrators, educators, law enforcement, parents and the community. It is not enough for this rule to exist as a well-drafted directive; it must become a lived reality in every educational institution.
The journey toward a tobacco-free academic environment has been fraught with challenges. The renewed commitment and enhanced regulatory measures signal a promising turn. Just as a well-tended garden requires not only seeds but also constant care, a policy, however well-conceived, needs rigorous implementation to truly flourish. With strong enforcement, public awareness and collective cooperation, Pakistan can set a new precedent in tobacco control—one that prioritises youth health over industry interests and ensures a tobacco-free future.
The writer is a research assistant at Sustainable Development Policy Institute
