Karachi Colleges Impose Ban on Tobacco, Vapes, Narcotics

KARACHI, July 28 — The College Education Department has imposed an immediate ban on tobacco products and narcotics across all colleges in Karachi, ordering administrators to keep campuses free from substances including cigarettes, vapes and gutka.

Summary

• Tobacco and narcotics banned across Karachi college campuses.

• Ban covers cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, paan and gutka.

• Officials have also been asked to restrict sales around colleges.

What the New Karachi College Ban Covers

According to a notification issued by the College Education Department, the restrictions apply to cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, paan, gutka and narcotics inside college premises. The department said the order has taken effect immediately.

College principals have been instructed to ensure strict compliance and keep their campuses free from prohibited tobacco products and drugs. Institutions have been directed to enforce the restrictions without delay.

Principals Told to Keep Campuses Tobacco-Free

The new instructions place responsibility on college principals to ensure the ban is followed within their institutions. Campus administrations will be expected to prevent the use of listed tobacco products and narcotics on college grounds.

The move broadens restrictions beyond traditional cigarettes by explicitly including vapes and nicotine pouches, alongside commonly used products such as paan and gutka. This makes the directive applicable to multiple forms of tobacco and nicotine use.

Authorities Target Sales Around Karachi Colleges

The College Education Department has also written to deputy commissioners, asking them to take measures against the sale of tobacco products and narcotics in areas surrounding colleges. The directive therefore extends the focus beyond campuses to nearby commercial areas.

Authorities have been asked to help prevent easy access to these products around educational institutions. The notification does not specify penalties but directs relevant officials and college administrations to implement the restrictions immediately.