The Lahore High Court has upheld the federal government’s ban on advertisements and promotion of tobacco, cigarettes, and paan products in Pakistan.
Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh dismissed a petition challenging the government’s notification and ruled that promoting these products is not a permanent constitutional right. The court said protecting public health and providing a healthy environment are among the state’s responsibilities.
The petitioners had raised concerns that restrictions on advertising could increase illegal trade. However, the court rejected this argument, saying the possibility of illegal trade was not enough to make the government’s notification unlawful.
The court also rejected an objection related to the Council of Common Interests and found no legal problem with the federal government’s action. It noted that while citizens have a constitutional right to conduct business and trade, these rights can be regulated in the public interest.
The ruling was issued under the legal framework covering tobacco control and restrictions on smoking and tobacco advertising.
