Pakistan Government Suspends Activities of International Anti-Smoking Organizations

Jan.17
Pakistan Government Suspends Activities of International Anti-Smoking Organizations
Pakistan government accuses two international anti-smoking organizations of unauthorized activities and requests suspension of their operations.

According to a report by Sigmagazine on January 15th, the Pakistani government has accused two international anti-smoking organizations, "Tobacco-Free Kids" and "Vital Strategies," of acting too arbitrarily and has requested the suspension of their activities. These two organizations are well-known for their strong opposition to e-cigarettes and for being funded by American billionaire Michael Bloomberg.


According to reports, the Pakistani Ministry of Interior has ordered the ban on the activities of these two organizations and has sent a letter to relevant departments in all provinces of the country. Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan has frozen the accounts of these two organizations as per the request of the Ministry of Interior. Copies of the letter received by local media outlets show that these organizations are accused of operating in Pakistan without authorization and without being properly registered with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, or the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.


According to reports, these two organizations have been collaborating with the National Health Services Regulation and Coordination Department of Pakistan for many years.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. 25 Attorneys General Urge Shopify to Block Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
U.S. 25 Attorneys General Urge Shopify to Block Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the City of New York co-led a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general in urging Shopify Inc. to take stronger measures against merchants selling illegal e-cigarettes and other tobacco products through its platform. The letter calls for cooperation between Shopify and U.S. states to address the persistent sale of unapproved vaping products.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Featuring an ultra-thin metal body and a “Champagne Gold” design, Sikary launches the Sikary Fit in the Middle East
Product | Featuring an ultra-thin metal body and a “Champagne Gold” design, Sikary launches the Sikary Fit in the Middle East
Sikary has listed its new disposable “Fit” on the official site and UAE channels. The device features a 13 mm metal body with a 12 mL e-liquid chamber and is advertised for up to 12,000 puffs, priced at around AED 35 per unit.
Oct.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s National Assembly Finance Committee voted to oppose the government’s plan in Article 23 of the 2026 budget bill to tax vaping products at €0.30/10mL for low-nicotine liquids and €0.50/10mL for others (with typical bottles priced €5–€7). Lawmakers arguing against the tax said vaping is less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can aid cessation; others warned of a gateway effect for youth and sustained nicotine dependence.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Korea Launches Year-End Promotion for “glo hyper” as Demand for Odorless Heated Tobacco Rises
BAT Korea Launches Year-End Promotion for “glo hyper” as Demand for Odorless Heated Tobacco Rises
BAT Rothmans has announced a year-end promotion for its “glo hyper” heated tobacco series in response to growing consumer demand for odorless devices during the cold season. As indoor activity rises, more smokers are shifting to heated tobacco products that produce less smell and ash. Government data show HNB sales grew 8.3% last year, accounting for 18.4% of the tobacco market.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai