Lahore High Court Declares Tobacco and Paan Advertising Illegal

The Lahore High Court has upheld the federal government's prohibition on advertising tobacco, cigarettes, and paan products, deeming such promotions unlawful. Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh delivered the final judgment before his resignation. The court dismissed a petition challenging the government's notification imposing restrictions on tobacco-related product advertising.

The LHC reasoned that the government justified these restrictions due to the potential negative impacts on public health. It emphasized that safeguarding public health and fostering a healthy environment are constitutional duties. The court further ruled that there is no sacred constitutional right to advertise tobacco products.

It dismissed the argument that restrictions on tobacco advertising could lead to illicit trade. The court also dismissed a constitutional objection regarding the government's failure to refer the matter to the Council of Common Interests, asserting that there was no illegality in the notification. Despite recognizing the constitutional right of every citizen to conduct business and trade, the court ultimately endorsed the government's notification banning tobacco advertising and dismissed the petition.