Pakistan Railways bans smoking in Trains

Pakistan Railways has put ban on smoking in trains, railway stations and its offices across the country.

Reports said Pakistan Railways has banned smoking in trains, railways stations and its offices across the country,

Reports cited Inspector General of Railways and said a detailed circular is also issued.

The ban imposed under the Anti-Tobacco Ordinance 2002 on the recommendation of the Ministry of National Health

The smoking banned for vendors, waiters, hawkers, coolies and others at a railway station.

The order warned of disciplinary action under the relevant law in case of violation of smoking ban.

The train driver, conductor guard, waiting room managers, authorized officers to enforce the law, the letter further said.

Meanwhile, the ASI or higher officers of the railway police authorized to act under the law.

The  police will be responsible for enforcement of the law at a particular railway station, the circular added.

Let it be known that the sale of cigarettes is already ban on the station and its premises, however, the smokers are violating the law.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in may this year urged Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed to implement Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Ordinance 2002 in letter and spirit in the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Railways.

The PMA secretary general maintained people similarly continued chewing and spitting tobacco in the forms of paan and Gutka.

Its not only a harmful practice for public health but also disfigured the Pakistan Railways’ properties.