Pakistan Government Suspends Activities of International Anti-Smoking Organizations

Jan.17.2025
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

Special Report|From Nicotine Pouches to Jelly? A China Tobacco Patent Explores Dual-Release NRT
Special Report|From Nicotine Pouches to Jelly? A China Tobacco Patent Explores Dual-Release NRT
A patent published on February 24, 2026, by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. introduces a “nicotine jelly” product designed to combine rapid and sustained nicotine delivery. By integrating both free and microencapsulated nicotine, the product aims to address key limitations of traditional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), while also raising new regulatory and product classification questions.
Innovation
Mar.18
Azerbaijan parliament passes third-reading amendments introducing e-cigarette penalties, effective April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan parliament passes third-reading amendments introducing e-cigarette penalties, effective April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has adopted, in its third reading, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences introducing fines and confiscation for the use of e-cigarettes and their components, as well as import, export, production, wholesale and retail sales, and storage for sale.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco (JT) has introduced the new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch brand in Japan. The Cola Fizz Medium flavor began early sales on March 3, 2026 via the CLUB JT online shop, and will be rolled out sequentially from April 6 through nationwide channels including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays. The Berry Mix Medium flavor is expected to launch on CLUB JT around mid-March.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Iowa House says governor’s tobacco and vape tax hikes are in a “holding pattern”
Iowa House says governor’s tobacco and vape tax hikes are in a “holding pattern”
Radio Iowa reported that House Speaker Pat Grassley said House Republicans are wrestling with Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposal to raise Iowa’s tax on tobacco products and impose a new 15% sales tax on vaping products. Grassley said the idea is in a “holding pattern,” noting it does not align neatly with recent Republican moves to cut income taxes, and that House Republicans already removed the proposed tax increase from the governor’s MAHA bill.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report | Belarus Rejects Vape Ban, Opts for Tighter Market Controls
Special Report | Belarus Rejects Vape Ban, Opts for Tighter Market Controls
After weeks of debate over a potential blanket prohibition, Belarus has decided against banning electronic cigarettes, choosing instead to tighten control over wholesale, imports and licensing. President Alexander Lukashenko warned that an outright ban could drive the market underground and undermine state revenues, as officials move to curb widespread illicit trade while keeping retail sales largely intact.
Mar.04
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Single-Digit Low of 9.9%, Study Shows Shift in Nicotine Use Patterns
A new study analyzing National Health Interview Survey data found that adult cigarette smoking in the United States declined to 9.9% in 2024, down from 10.8% in 2023. The findings, published in NEJM Evidence, represent a historic milestone in U.S. tobacco control efforts. Researchers noted that while cigarette smoking is decreasing, the prevalence of e-cigarette and cigar use remained largely unchanged, suggesting a shift in nicotine consumption rather than the elimination of tobacco use.
Market
Mar.20