Last updated: August 7, 2020

Smoke Free Status of Indoor Public Places, Workplaces, and Public Transport

All indoor workplaces

Smoking is Restricted
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use.” A “place of public work or use” is defined as a place included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO, “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Although the list of workplaces is extensive, not all workplaces are included on the lists. Further, not all workplaces fall under the catchall “and the like which are visited by the general public” (e.g., prisons and hotel rooms). Therefore, indoor workplaces are considered “Smoking is Restricted” (SR) and not “100% Smoke Free” (SF).

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in workplaces included on the list. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, workplaces included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

All indoor public places

Smoking is Restricted
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use.” A “place of public work or use” is defined as a place included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO, “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Although the list of public places is extensive, not all public places are included on the lists. Further, not all public places fall under the catchall “and the like which are visited by the general public” (e.g., prisons cells and hotel rooms). Therefore, indoor public places are considered “Smoking is Restricted” (SR) and not “100% Smoke Free” (SF).

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the list. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

All public transport

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

Smoking is prohibited in all public service vehicles. The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to public service vehicles.

Government facilities

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “public offices,” which is interpreted to include government workplaces. “Court buildings” are also included on the list. Therefore, the ban on smoking is interpreted as applying to all government facilities.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Private offices

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “public offices,” and SRO 653 list includes all "offices." Therefore, the ban on smoking is interpreted to apply to private offices.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to private offices.

Hospitals

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “health institutions,” and the SRO specifically lists “hospitals.”

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Residential healthcare facilities - public areas

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “health institutions,” and the SRO includes “hospitals, dispensaries and other health care establishments.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to residential healthcare facilities and their public areas.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Non-residential healthcare facilities

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “health institutions,” and the SRO includes “hospitals, dispensaries and other health care establishments.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to non-residential healthcare facilities.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Childcare facilities/preschools

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use,” which is defined as places included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Although childcare facilities and preschools are not contained on either list, the catchall “and the like which are visited by the general public” is interpreted to include childcare facilities and preschools.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and FCTC the Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Primary and secondary schools

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance and the SRO list both include “educational institutions.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to primary and secondary schools.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Universities/vocational facilities

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance and the SRO list both include “educational institutions.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to universities and vocational facilities.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Shops

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use,” which is defined as places included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Although “stores” do not appear on either list, the catchall “and the like which are visited by the general public” is interpreted to include stores.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Cultural facilities

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use,” which is defined as places included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Although “cultural facilities” do not appear on either list, the catchall “and the like which are visited by the general public” is interpreted to include cultural facilities.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and FCTC the Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Indoor stadium/arenas

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “sports stadiums,” and the SRO includes “indoor stadiums.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to indoor stadiums and arenas.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Restaurants

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “restaurants” and “eating houses,” and the SRO includes “restaurants.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to restaurants.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Bars/pubs/nightclubs

Not Applicable
Analysis

Bars, pubs, and nightclubs, as venues that sell alcohol, do not exist in Pakistan.

Casinos

Not Applicable
Analysis

Casinos do not exist in Pakistan.

Hotels/lodging - public areas

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “hotel lounges.” Therefore, the ban on smoking is interpreted to apply to public areas in hotels.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Hotels/lodgings - guest rooms

Smoking is Not Restricted
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “hotel lounges.” However, neither the Ordinance nor SRO list includes “hotel guest rooms.” The law is therefore interpreted as not applying to these types of places.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Prisons/detention facilities - public areas

Uncertain
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use,” which is defined as places included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO “and the like which are visited by the general public.” Neither the Ordinance nor SRO list includes “prisons” or “detention facilities,” and it is unclear whether a prison/detention facility would fall within the catchall of “and the like which are visited by the general public.”

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.

Trains, buses and other shared ground transportation other than taxis

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “any public service vehicle,” including trains. The definition of “public service vehicle” includes all motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers for hire.

In addition the law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The SRO list includes “buses, wagons, trains.” Therefore the ban on smoking applies to trains, buses, and other ground transportation.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to trains, buses, and other shared ground transportation.

Taxis (for-hire vehicle)

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “any public service vehicle.” The definition of “public service vehicle” includes all motor vehicles used for carriage of passengers for hire, including taxis.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to trains, buses, and other shared ground transportation.

Commercial aircraft

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in any public service vehicle, which includes airplanes by definition.

In addition the law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The SRO list includes “all domestic flights.” Therefore, the ban on smoking applies to commercial aircraft.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to commercial aircraft.

Commercial watercraft

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in any public service vehicle, which includes “ships” by definition.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines with respect to commercial watercraft.

Public transport facilities (waiting areas for mass transit)

100% Smoke Free
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Analysis

The law prohibits smoking in “place[s] of public work or use” that are included on the lists contained in the Ordinance or SRO. The 2002 Ordinance list includes “waiting lounges” and “bus stations or stands.” The SRO list includes “lounges of airports, waiting rooms at railway stations, waiting rooms at bus stations.” Therefore, the ban on smoking is interpreted to apply to all public transport facilities.

The law allows the government to issue guidelines for designated smoking areas in public places included on the lists. Such guidelines were issued and later rescinded in the interest of protecting public health. Therefore, public places included on the lists are currently smoke free.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines because it does not provide for 100% smoke free environments in all indoor workplaces and public places, and allows for future designated smoking areas. The law therefore does not provide effective or universal protection against tobacco smoke exposure. To align with FCTC Art. 8 and the FCTC Art. 8 Guidelines, the law should require all parts of all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke free.