Zero tolerance | Political Economy

#tolerance #Political #Economy

New policies can be straightforward on ntroducing paper, yet their original value is effective and timely. Pakistan’s experience serves as a reminder: The Higher Education Commission introduced a comprehensive ban on all tobacco products in universities in 2015. However, over time, the implementation has been weakened and many campuses now adjust to smoking spaces. This date has pointed out that policies have to be linked with strong surveillance and real commitment.

The Punjab government has a significant departure from the recent efforts before the recent notification. Under a strict policy of zero tolerance, new rules ban smoking, waping devices, cigarettes, nicotine pouches and all other products related to tobacco or tobacco in educational institutions. This move is not merely symbolic. This is a deliberate move that aims to prevent the growing trend of students’ tobacco, nicotine and other drug use. This is a trend through a misleading impression that vaporing and similar products are harmless alternatives. To summarize, this policy tries to draw a clear line with certainty, like a strong fence that protects a garden from invasive mournful clothing.

Significantly, the notification has the support of the SRO 654 and 655 from the Ministry of Health, which details the implementation powers and the responsible officials. In the implementation strategy, this explanation offers hope that new measures will overcome the defects of the previous efforts. Still, the challenges remain. Educational institutions have long been an environment where tobacco use has been brought to normal, partially due to the easiest availability of these products around the campus. Strict success of the ban, strict surveillance must move beyond the school gates to include local shopkeepers, with heavy fines for those who provide tobacco to underage people.

The influence of the tobacco industry cannot be reduced. Historically, industry lobbying and misleading campaigns have delayed or reduced public health measures. Therefore, the current move must be protected from such interference, to ensure that the desired benefits target group – our students – without a compromise. Effective implementation will only require more than institutional surveillance. Pakistan has seen that many well – -known policies failed due to weak surveillance methods, unclear accountability and lack of harmony between enforcement agencies. This should be accompanied by a clear framework to ensure permanent surveillance, strict fines and implementation with this ban, with this restriction. In addition, shopkeepers selling tobacco near educational institutions face heavy fines or licenses if they continue to sell nicotine products to students.

Traveling towards a tobacco -free educational environment is full of challenges. Renewed commitment and improved regulatory measures indicate a promising turning point.

A major reduction in past tobacco control measures is lacking parents and teachers. Schools and universities should include awareness programs to aware of the long -term health risks of nicotine addiction. Teachers and administrators should be trained to recognize the symbols of tobacco use and provide consultation rather than relying on a fully compulsory measures. Parents also play a key role in promoting open conversations and discouraging tobacco consumption by determining positive examples at home.

To further strengthen the impact of this policy, Pakistan can learn from a successful global way of tobacco control. Many countries have implemented simple packaging laws, aggressive taxes and strict age restrictions to prevent youth tobacco consumption. Pakistan should find similar strategies to fulfill this ban and ensure a constant reduction in smoking and vapor among the students.

Although notification is an important step, additional steps are needed to strengthen its success. The government should consider the increase in tobacco taxes, making nicotine products more expensive and inaccessible to students. In addition, strict advertising restrictions and sales of vaporing products should be fully banned. Without these complementary measures, students can find ways to access and use tobacco, despite institutional restrictions.

This bold notification from Punjab is an ideal model for other provinces and even for federal institutions. The government is taking a meaningful step towards a healthy future, reinforcing legal framework with clearly stated and recognizing past shortcomings. The success of this policy will depend on the collective efforts of administrators, teachers, law enforcement agencies, parents and the community. It is not enough to be present as a well -prepared guidance. It should be a living reality in every educational institution.

Traveling towards a tobacco -free educational environment is full of challenges. Renewed commitment and improved regulatory measures indicate a promising turning point. Just as a good garden requires not only seeds but also permanent care, a policy, though well -understood, really requires strict implementation to flourish. With strong implementation, public awareness and collective support, Pakistan can set a new example in the control of tobacco. It is one that gives young people more priority over the interests of the industry and ensures a tobacco -free future.

Author is a Research Assistant at Sustainable Development Policy Institute