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

AIR Expects to Complete CAEP Business Combination in Q2 2026 and List on Nasdaq
AIR Expects to Complete CAEP Business Combination in Q2 2026 and List on Nasdaq
AIR Limited and Cantor Equity Partners III announced that the F-4 registration statement related to their proposed business combination was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2026. Under the arrangement first announced on Nov. 7, 2025, the combined company, AIR Global PLC, is intended to list on Nasdaq in the United States under the ticker “AIIR.”
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
PML Expands Its UK Smoke-Free Portfolio With LEVIA
Philip Morris Limited has launched LEVIA, a new range of zero-tobacco flavored nicotine sticks created for the IQOS ILUMA range. The product expands the company’s smoke-free portfolio in the UK and will initially be available in four variants, including Deep Mint and three capsule-based flavors. LEVIA has a recommended retail price of £5, or about $6.73, based on the European Central Bank’s April 28.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland Seizes 223,688 Disposable Vapes Without Required Excise Marks
Poland Seizes 223,688 Disposable Vapes Without Required Excise Marks
Poland’s Customs and Tax Service in Łódź carried out an inspection at a property near Zgierz and seized 223,688 disposable e-cigarettes without the required excise markings.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | China Starts Mandatory National Standards Process for Heated Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
Exclusive | China Starts Mandatory National Standards Process for Heated Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
China has launched mandatory national standards work for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, further formalizing regulation of both categories. The move may help lay groundwork for future market entry, but does not signal imminent domestic commercialization.
Apr.15
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
The Australian Government and Spotify have launched the third phase of the Youth Vaping Education Campaign under the theme “Buddy Up – Make a Pact to Quit Together.” This phase shifts the focus toward peer and community support by encouraging young people to quit vaping together.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 5, 2026 that it authorized the marketing of four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The authorized products are Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold and Sapphire pods, each containing 50mg/ml, or 5%, tobacco-derived nicotine.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai