Punjab govt imposes complete ban on smoking in all parks, gardens

LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially declared all gardens and public parks across the province as no-smoking zones, banning the use and sale of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products in areas managed by Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs).

According to a letter issued by the Housing and Public Health Engineering Department, the ban will be strictly implemented in all parks under the PHA. The directive also prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public park canteens and nearby areas.

The authorities have been directed to install awareness boards on smoking at prominent locations, including at the entrances and exits of the parks, to ensure awareness among the public about the decision. Additionally, notices will be issued to the canteens regarding the ban on the sale of tobacco products.

The park security staff and management teams have been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the ban and ensuring compliance.

Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal said that the aim of this initiative is to protect children and the younger generation from smoking and to encourage healthy public spaces.

“It is our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment to families and sports enthusiasts visiting these gardens,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to make parks more attractive and sustainable across Punjab on the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister.