LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted interim relief to vape shopkeepers across Punjab by ordering the immediate de-sealing of their businesses, which were previously shut down by the provincial administration under a recently imposed ban.
Justice Anwar Hussain issued the written verdict on Tuesday, following a petition filed by 74 vape shop dealers — including the popular chain Vape Mall — who challenged the sealing of their businesses without legal notice or justification.
The court directed the Punjab government and relevant authorities to refrain from taking further action against vape retailers until a final decision is made in the ongoing case. The next hearing is scheduled for July 3, and the Punjab government has been granted time to submit its formal response.
During the hearing, the government’s law officer failed to present valid legal grounds for the crackdown, as noted in the court’s written observations.
“The law officer could not present any valid legal grounds for sealing the vape shops,” the court remarked.
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On June 3, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a provincial ban on electronic cigarettes (vapes), citing serious health risks to the youth. A province-wide crackdown was launched, resulting in the abrupt sealing of vape shops across major cities.
The petitioners, however, argued that:
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Their businesses are legally registered.
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Vape and e-cigarette imports are permitted by the federal government.
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All customs duties and taxes are duly paid.
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The sudden ban violates constitutional rights that protect lawful trade.
They contended that the Punjab government’s action was unilateral and without a proper legal framework, causing financial harm and legal uncertainty for registered businesses.
The court had earlier refused to immediately reopen the sealed shops but had issued notices to the Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, and CCPO Lahore, seeking responses.
With the interim relief now granted, vape shopkeepers can resume operations until a final ruling is delivered.
