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Lawmakers raise concerns about smoking inside Pakistan’s Parliament House

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and MNA Naeema Kishwar have raised concerns about smoking inside Parliament House, citing exposure to cigarette smoke in shared spaces, including areas used for prayer. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said a designated smoking area had been set aside and directed that smoking be kept within it.

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Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and MNA Naeema Kishwar have raised concerns about smoking inside Parliament House, including the effect of cigarette smoke on people using shared spaces and prayer areas. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said a designated area had been provided for smoking and directed that people comply with the arrangement.

Concerns over smoke in shared spaces

Speaking during a National Assembly session on Tuesday, Iqbal objected to open smoking inside the parliamentary building. He questioned why lawmakers who do not smoke should have to face its effects.

Kishwar also raised concerns, saying cigarette smoke made it difficult for women lawmakers to breathe comfortably while offering prayers inside the building.

Speaker directs smoking to designated area

The complaints called on the Speaker to clarify the rules covering smoking in public places and within Parliament House. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said smoking was prohibited in public places and that a specific area had been designated for people who wished to smoke inside the parliamentary building.

He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that members and others in Parliament House followed the arrangement and did not smoke outside the allocated area.

The concerns focused on limiting exposure to cigarette smoke in shared areas, including spaces used for prayer.

Key takeaway

The Speaker said smoking should be confined to the designated area inside Parliament House, following lawmakers’ concerns about smoke in shared spaces.

Key points to remember

  • Ahsan Iqbal objected to open smoking inside Parliament House and raised concerns about its effect on non-smoking lawmakers.
  • Naeema Kishwar said cigarette smoke made it difficult for women lawmakers to breathe comfortably while offering prayers.
  • Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said a specific smoking area had been designated inside the building and directed people not to smoke outside it.

Frequently asked questions

Who raised concerns about smoking inside Parliament House?

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and MNA Naeema Kishwar raised concerns during a National Assembly session.

What direction did the National Assembly Speaker give?

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said a specific area had been designated for smoking inside the building and directed relevant authorities to ensure people did not smoke outside it.

What concern did Naeema Kishwar raise?

She said cigarette smoke made it difficult for women lawmakers to breathe comfortably while offering prayers inside Parliament House.

Source Acknowledgement

This article is adapted from "Ahsan Iqbal, MNA raise concerns over smoking inside Parliament", published by Pakistan Observer on 20 October 2026. Smoke Free News has rewritten and summarised the report for clarity.

Source: Pakistan Observer

Published
21 Oct 2026
Last verified
21 Oct 2026
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