The Lahore High Court has granted interim relief to vape shopkeepers across Punjab by ordering the immediate de-sealing of their businesses, which were earlier closed down by the provincial administration.
Justice Anwar Hussain issued a written order of the verdict issued on Tuesday after hearing a petition filed by 74 dealers, including the popular chain Vape Mall, against the sudden sealing of vape shops by local authorities.
The court directed the provincial administration to refrain from taking any further action against vape shopkeepers until a final decision is made on the pending appeal.
The Punjab government’s law officer was present during the hearing but failed to provide any legal justification for the crackdown on vape businesses, according to the court’s observations.
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“The law officer could not present any valid legal grounds for sealing the vape shops,” the court noted in its written remarks.
After considering the arguments presented by the counsels representing both sides, the court issued a stay order and adjourned the proceedings until July 3. The court also granted additional time to the Punjab government’s legal team to submit a formal reply in the matter.
The Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, and capital city police officer (CCPO) of Lahore have been made respondents in the case.
The petitioners had argued that the sealing of vape shops was carried out without prior notice and in violation of legal procedures. They claimed that their businesses were registered and operating lawfully, and that the sudden closures had caused severe financial losses.
On June 16, the Lahore High Court had declined to immediately order the reopening of vape and e-cigarette shops sealed under the Punjab government’s recent ban.
Also Read: Court refuses to allow reopening of vape and e-cigarette shops
The judge had heard the petition challenging the Punjab government’s ban on the sale and use of vape and e-cigarette products. The court issued notices to the Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, and capital city police officer (CCPO), directing them to submit their replies at the next hearing.
Arguing before the court, the petitioners had contended that the federal government permits the import of vape and e-cigarette products, and that they were running their businesses legally by paying all relevant customs duties. They further asserted that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to engage in lawful business, and that the Punjab government’s blanket ban violates this fundamental right.
According to the petitioners, the provincial government has acted unilaterally by banning vape-related products without providing any legal framework or offering alternative options to legal traders.
On June 3, the Punjab government had officially imposed a ban on electric cigarettes (vapes), following a directive by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during a provincial cabinet meeting held in Lahore.
Chief Minister Maryam had ordered the district administration and institutions concerned to launch a province-wide crackdown on the sale and use of electric cigarettes in a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health, especially the youth.
"The unchecked use of vapes among the younger generation poses serious health risks. This decision has been made to protect our youth from long-term diseases and addiction," she had stated.
