The Pakistani government has accused two international anti-vaping organizations, Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies, of operating in the country without authorization, demanding their work be suspended and their accounts frozen. The two organizations have worked with Pakistan’s health ministry and are funded by U.S. billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
According to a report in Sigmagazine on January 15, the Pakistani government has accused two international anti-tobacco organizations, Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies, of acting too casually. That’s why they’re calling for the suspension of their activities. The two organizations are well known for their staunch opposition to vapes and for receiving funding from U.S. billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
It is understood that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has issued an order banning the activities of the two organizations, and sent letters to the relevant departments in the provinces of the country. At the same time, at the request of the Home Ministry, the State Bank of Pakistan also imposed a freeze on the accounts of the two organizations. According to a copy of the letter obtained by local media, the two organizations are accused of operating in Pakistan without authorization and not having properly registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Economic Affairs, or the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
In addition, it is understood that the two organizations have maintained a cooperative relationship with Pakistan’s National Department of Health Service Regulation and Coordination for many years.
