LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has granted interim relief to vape shopkeepers across Punjab by ordering the immediate de-sealing of their shops, which had been shut down by the provincial administration as part of a recent crackdown.
Justice Anwar Hussain issued the written order on Tuesday after hearing a petition filed by 74 vape dealers—including the well-known chain Vape Mall—challenging the sudden closures. The court directed the Punjab government to halt any further action against vape businesses until a final verdict is reached on the matter.
During the hearing, the Punjab government’s law officer was present but, according to the court, failed to present any legal justification for sealing the shops. “The law officer could not present any valid legal grounds for sealing the vape shops,” the court noted in its observations.
After considering arguments from both sides, the judge issued a stay order and adjourned proceedings until July 3. The court also granted additional time for the provincial government to file a formal response. The Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, and Lahore’s capital city police officer (CCPO) have been named as respondents in the case.
The petitioners argued that their shops were sealed without prior notice and in violation of legal procedure. They maintained that their businesses were lawfully registered, paid all relevant duties, and were operating within the framework of federal laws that still allow the import of vaping products. The sudden shutdowns, they said, had caused major financial losses.
They further contended that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to conduct lawful business and that the provincial government’s blanket ban infringes on this fundamental right. They accused the Punjab government of acting unilaterally, without establishing a legal framework or offering any alternatives to legitimate traders.
Earlier this month, on June 16, the court had declined to order the immediate reopening of vape shops but had issued notices to relevant government officials.
The ban on electric cigarettes was officially imposed on June 3 following a directive from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The decision, announced during a provincial cabinet meeting, aimed to protect public health—particularly among young people. The Chief Minister had instructed local authorities to initiate a province-wide crackdown on the sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes.
