Pakistan Government Suspends Activities of International Anti-Smoking Organizations

Jan.17.2025

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.

References:

[1] Il Pakistan interdice due organizzazioni antivaping internazionali

Also Read:

[1] Anti-tobacco Activists in Pakistan Calls for Increase in Tobacco Tax to Address Health Crisis

[2] Call for Immediate Ban on E-cigarette Sales in Pakistan

[3] BAT Warns Pakistan Government Against Further Tax Increase

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #Pakistan

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