Sindh Govt submits bill before SHC to impose ban on Gutka

By Bilal Zafar Solangi Last updated Feb 28, 2020

In Compliance of Sindh High Court(SHC) Order regarding legislation for the ban on Gutka including other smokeless tobacco products, Sindh Government submitted bill namely “The Prohibition of Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka and Mainpuri Act,2019” before the court.

The said bill passed by the provincial Assembly of Sindh on 18th December 2019 and assented by the Governor Sindh on 22nd January 2020, Published on The Sindh Government Gazzette on 30th January 2020.

It was learned that the Sindh High Court summoned Additional Secretary Health Government of Sindh for Friday 28^th February 2020, where the health department official presented the said bill before the court.

The SHC called the official of the Sindh Government Health Department in the case of Sanober (Patient of Oral Cancer) who had filed a petition on Tuesday for the ban on Gutka and requested for her medical treatment.

Moreover, in today’s hearing, SHC ordered the Sindh Government for the free medical treatment and financial assistance of said applicant, Whereas to ensure compliance on the said bill SHC summoned IG Sindh and Home Secretary Sindh on 10^th March 2020.

During the hearing, SHC Judge Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar directed President of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) to ensure that no industrial worker within the jurisdiction of KATI would use Gutka, in case of violation KATI Official should handed over the violator to the Police.

Further Rao Zakir SHO Zaman Town presented the report of action against gutka manufacturers and sellers within the jurisdiction, the said actions of SHO zaman town appreciated by the Top Court Judge.

Whereas the Additional Secretary Health on behalf of the department assured free of cost medical treatment for the applicant Sanober.

Speaking with City News Muzammil Mumtaz Meo Advocate stated that, Despite of ban on Gutka , Mawa including other smokeless tobacco products by Sindh High Court the said products are easily available in different areas especially in the poor locality areas of city.