NEWS DESK — Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) has banned smoking and vaping across its own offices nationwide, including guest houses and open areas within its premises.
The ban covers all forms of smoking, as HEC warned that action would be taken against anyone who violated it. The list of covered products includes conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, hookah, also known as sheesha, and heated tobacco products. The reported wording also covers other forms of smoking, rather than limiting the restriction to cigarettes alone.
The inclusion of open areas means the instruction is not confined to rooms inside HEC buildings. Guest houses are also explicitly included alongside the commission's offices across Pakistan.
The reports describe the ban as in force, but give no separate commencement date or specific fine. The warning of action against violators does not establish that enforcement action has already taken place.
Separate work with universities
HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq said in a message that the commission was in contact with the heads of higher education institutions across Pakistan. He said the vast majority had already banned all forms of smoking on their campuses. That is the commission's account of campus policies, not an independently measured finding about compliance.
Pakistan Connect also reported the office restrictions and HEC's call for educational institutions to take effective measures. The distinction matters: the reported directive covers HEC's own premises, rather than establishing a new blanket ban at every university or every public place in Pakistan.
HEC urged everyone to help maintain a clean, healthy and smoke-free environment.
ATTRIBUTION: Sources: ProPakistani, APP via UrduPoint, and Pakistan Connect, published October 28, 2026.
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.
Key points to remember
- HEC's ban covers its offices across Pakistan, including guest houses.
- Open areas within HEC premises are also covered by the restriction.
- Covered products include cigarettes, vapes, sheesha and heated tobacco products.
- HEC warned of action against violators without specifying a fine.
- HEC says most higher education institutions already prohibit campus smoking.
Frequently asked questions
Where does HEC's smoking and vaping ban apply?
It covers HEC offices across Pakistan, including guest houses and open areas within the commission's premises.
Which products are covered?
The reported ban includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, hookah or sheesha, heated tobacco products, and other forms of smoking.
Does this announcement establish a new ban at every university?
The reported directive concerns HEC premises. HEC separately says it is working with institution heads on campus restrictions.
What action will violators face?
HEC warned of action against violators, but the reports did not specify a fine or establish that enforcement had occurred.
Source Acknowledgement
Source: ProPakistani
- Published
- 29 Oct 2026
