LAHORE: In blatant disregard of the government-imposed ban on cigarette advertising and reward schemes, illicit cigarette brands persist in flouting the law, enticing both retailers and consumers with promotional materials and incentivized programmes.
Reports reveal that illegal tobacco companies in various cities, including Sargodha, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Sukkur, and Hyderabad, openly employ advertisements and rewards to attract customers, contravening the regulatory framework in place.
The Ministry of National Health Services, in January 2020, had issued SRO 72(I)/2020, strictly prohibiting the promotion and advertising of cigarettes through any media outlet.
Fareed Ahmed Siddiqi, the spokesperson of the Citizens' Health Initiative, expressed concern over the lack of enforcement against violators by district administrations and provincial governments, leading to a widespread culture of illegal smoking.
Siddiqi highlighted that various illegal cigarette brands in different regions are enticing consumers with cash prizes, free packs, and even mobile phones, in direct violation of the ban.
Moreover, these companies are breaching the advertising code by employing large promotional posters and gold coupons within cigarette packs to lure consumers.
Siddiqi warned that these violations pose significant challenges to the government's health policies and result in substantial losses to the national exchequer.
He stressed the urgent need for the government to rigorously enforce the laws and crack down on companies and vendors engaged in the illicit trade of cigarettes and advertising infringements nationwide.
