Officially, the Punjab government has designated all open parks in the province as non-smoking zones. This pioneering project, instituted by the Housing department by a notification and under the guidance of the Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Menga,l is being undertaken as an endeavour to provide a healthier, safer and cleaner environment to all the residents.
New Smoke-Free Rules: Scope and Enforcement
With the new notification, the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002 will be strictly implemented in all the parks of the Punjab state, namely Sections 5 and 7. The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and smoking is also banned in the park. There should be a move to eliminate all tuck-shops, cafes, and vending stalls within parks that sell tobacco products.
Clear Messaging and Active Monitoring
To ensure public awareness and compliance, the government will install clear ‘No Smoking’ signs and display instructions at multiple points in every park. The park staff and security are instructed to keep a proper eye on visitor behaviour and take prompt action to stop any contraventions they detect, reporting them as required, or banning violators as necessary. The strict enforcement of these rules reflects the government’s commitment to long-term behavioural change.
Why Smoke-Free Parks Matter: Public Health Benefits
The need to create tobacco-free outdoor settings, particularly in areas commonly visited by families and children, has been advocated by medical professionals and the public health community. Smoke-free parks will be able to help:
- Fewer engagements in second-hand smoking
- Young people should be discouraged from smoking
- Minimised risks of fires in green spaces
- Increase higher-level anti-tobacco efforts and community health programs
This policy supports Punjab’s growing movement toward healthier, more family-friendly public spaces.
Zero Tolerance for Drugs: Provincial Counter-Narcotics Force Launched
In connection with this, the Punjab has introduced a local Counter Narcotics Force to curb drug abuse and trade. By the time the force was inaugurated in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that zero tolerance will be the policy towards drug dealers and drugs will be rooted out of the province. The new force will work closely with law enforcement and public health agencies.
Conclusion: A Safer, Healthier Punjab for All
The Punjab government is currently taking aggressive yet synchronised steps to protect the health of its people and promote healthy societal values by ensuring that the establishment of the new anti-drug force and the declaration of now-smoke-free government parks are an emphatic initiative to achieve this goal. Cleaner air, safer recreation and healthier lifestyles are just some of the things that families can anticipate all through the province.
