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

New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand vape retailer Shosha is accused of using hidden, white-on-white text on its website to promote refillable and disposable vapes. A Health Ministry spokesperson said it could not comment on individual businesses’ compliance status while matters are being assessed, and said the ministry continues to monitor digital advertising and promotional activity and will act where it considers there may be a breach.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council has approved legislation allowing authorities to block websites offering online sales of tobacco, nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco devices and hookahs without a court order.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens has begun selling vape products again in some U.S. stores, marking a notable reversal after the chain pulled vapes from shelves in 2019 amid concerns over youth use and health risks. Juul says it is expanding across thousands of Walgreens locations, and NJOY also lists Walgreens stores as retailers.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
British American Tobacco said 2026 will mark a return to its mid-term growth algorithm, but CEO Tadeu Marroco stressed that deliverywill depend heavily on enforcement against illicit vapour products in the United States. Speaking at the FY2025 results call, he positioned Modern Oral as the company’s primary structural growth engine, reframed accelerating cigarette declines through “poly-usage,” and reinforced capital discipline with an expanded share buyback plan.
Feb.12
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
Philip Morris International Opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in the Philippines, Featuring an IQOS Scent Experience Zone
PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), opened an IQOS flagship boutique on December 19 in the Ayala business district of Makati City, the Philippines. Positioned as a multi-sensory, immersive retail space, the store is designed for legal-aged nicotine users. It features the Philippines’ first IQOS Scent Experience zone and also showcases the upcoming IQOS x ISABEL collaboration.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul Labs has asked a U.S. federal court to prevent NJOY and Altria from using documents stored in a public UCSF database in an ongoing patent lawsuit, arguing they are protected by attorney–client privilege. The defendants say the files have long been public and may contain evidence relevant to Juul’s patent conduct.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai