Punjab declares all parks as no-smoking zones across province

LAHORE: All public parks across Punjab have officially been declared no-smoking zones, according to a notification issued by the Housing Department on the directives of Secretary Housing, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal.

The notification states that Section 5 and Section 7 of the Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002 will now be enforced in all parks.

Under the new regulations, smoking and the sale of cigarettes at public places, especially parks, have been completely banned. This ban includes the use and sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes.

In addition, tuck shops, cafes, and vending points located within park premises are also prohibited from selling tobacco products.

To ensure public awareness and compliance, “No Smoking” boards and clear instructions will be installed in all parks across the province. Park staff have been directed to actively monitor and enforce the ban, the Housing Department said.

This move aims to promote a healthier, smoke-free environment for families, children, and all visitors to public recreational spaces in Punjab. Earlier, the government of Punjab launched provincial Counter Narcotics Force.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony in Lahore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said establishment of this Narcotics Force is essential to eliminate the scourge of drugs.

Maryam Nawaz vowed that every possible step will be taken to make the province drug-free and announced a policy of zero tolerance against drug dealers saying there is no place for them in the province.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister inspected the parade and presented the flag to an officer of the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force.

Similarly, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision for a digitally connected Punjab, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) significantly expanded its public Wi-Fi initiative, doubling its coverage across the province.

According to PSCA officials, the number of free Wi-Fi access points in Lahore alone has risen from 230 to 430.

The service, previously available in 11 districts, now spans 22, including key areas such as Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock, Hasan Abdal, Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree.

This expansion follows a recent series of upgrades aimed at improving internet accessibility across both urban and semi-urban regions.

As part of this initiative, Gujrat city was recently added to the growing public Wi-Fi network. NNI