Vape Ban Paused in Pakistan: What’s the Status Now?

Vape Ban Paused in Pakistan: What’s the Status Now?

The regulation of vaping and e‑cigarette products in Pakistan has entered a period of uncertainty and transition. While several provincial governments imposed bans or restrictions on the sale and use of vapes, recent court decisions have paused enforcement in certain regions until comprehensive legislation is enacted. Below is an overview of what happened, why it happened, and what the current status is.

Why the bans were introduced

• In the province of Sindh, a directive was issued in February 2024 banning the use of e‑cigarettes and sheesha in public places — such as hotels, restaurants, parks and cafés — under the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non‑Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002. Pakistan Today+1

• In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) an interim ban was imposed in early 2024 on sale/usage of vapes and e‑cigarettes in proximity to educational institutions. Business Recorder+1

• In Punjab, the provincial government announced in June 2025 a full ban on the sale and purchase of vapes and e‑cigarettes, citing serious health risks to youth. ProPakistani+2SAMAA TV+2

• The motive behind these bans: concerns about the rise of vaping among young people, addiction to nicotine, lack of regulation on flavourings and device safety, and public health risks.

What changed: the pause in enforcement

• On June 25, 2025, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted interim relief to vape shop‑owners in Punjab by ordering the de‑sealing of their businesses and instructing authorities not to take coercive action until further orders. SAMAA TV+1

• On July 3, 2025, the LHC disposed of over 100 petitions filed by vape and e‑cigarette vendors and directed that authorities must not take punitive action against them until appropriate legislation is in place. Business Recorder+2Business Recorder+2

• The court emphasised that without a legal framework clearly regulating the sale, use or import of vapes, business owners who were importing legally and paying customs duties could not be subject to enforcement. Daily Pakistan English News+1

• Meanwhile, the provincial ban on sale in Punjab still remains in effect on paper. The pause is in enforcement and not a formal repeal of the ban. ProPakistani

Current status: In‑limbo, not “unbanned”

• The scene in Pakistan now is that the sale and usage of vapes is subject to patchwork regulation: some provincial directives, but no complete national law specifically covering e‑cigarettes/vapes.

• Although the court has halted enforcement for now in Punjab until law is passed, the provincial government still retains the authority to enforce or reinstate bans.

• In other provinces like Sindh or KP, restrictions (especially in public places or near schools) remain in force. Associated Press of Pakistan+1

• A legislative bill has been introduced proposing stricter regulation: sale ban to minors, fines for retailers, restrictions near schools. Nicotine Insider

• Therefore: it is not correct to say that vaping is fully “unbanned” in Pakistan — what exists is a temporary pause in enforcement in certain jurisdictions until proper laws are enacted.

Implications for consumers and businesses

• For business owners in Punjab: You may have temporary relief, but you remain in legal limbo. New legislation might impose tougher licensing, taxation or outright bans.

• For consumers: The devices may still be available, but you should be aware that the legal situation could change — sale or use may be subject to enforcement once regulation is finalised.

• For public health/government: The pause gives time to craft regulation that balances public health protection (especially youth) while allowing trade under defined rules.

Looking ahead: what to watch for

• Will the federal government or provinces pass a comprehensive law governing import, manufacture, sale, age‑limits, flavours, advertising and public use of vapes?

• Will regulatory bodies introduce licensing, taxation and compliance measures for vape retailers?

• How will health‑impact data, particularly among youth in Pakistan, influence policy?

• Will enforcement resume in full once laws are enacted — meaning the business and consumer landscape may again shift quickly?

Conclusion

The issue of vaping in Pakistan remains unsettled. While bans were introduced amid health concerns, judicial intervention has paused enforcement of those bans in regions like Punjab until regulatory frameworks are developed. In short: the vape ban is not fully lifted, but in some areas its enforcement is on hold. All stakeholders — from users and businesses to regulators and health advocates — are advised to monitor developments closely.