Turkmenistan’s president has launched an ‘unprecedented’ anti-smoking campaign, ordering officials to make the Central Asian country tobacco-free within two years.

According to AFP news agency, the President of Turkmenistan Sardar Bardi Makhmidov has said that there will be no compromise on this struggle against smoking.

There will be a nationwide crackdown on illegal imports of tobacco products and the sale of all such items, including shisha pipes and electric cigarettes.

President Makhmedov added that our state will launch an everlasting campaign against tobacco to help expand tobacco-free countries in the world.

It should be noted that Turkmenistan already has strict measures against smoking advertisements and bans on smoking in public places, which have been implemented by the Berdi Makhmidov family government for almost two decades.

Former Sardar Bardi Makhmedov, who was handed over the reins of power by his father Garbengoli Berdi Makhmedov last year, is a former dentist who now wants his country to be tobacco-free by 2025.

Turkmenistan’s state television has reported that around 20 people have been arrested for smuggling tobacco, glass and electronic cigarette products across the country’s borders.

President Sardar Bardi Makhmidov has further said that the head of the Customs Department in Turkmenistan has been severely reprimanded for poor performance of duties.

It has been reported that Bardi Makhmedov Sr. who is known as Arkadag (Protector Hero) despite his retirement, together with the current President and his son Sardar Makhmedov, constantly raises the awareness of the nation with the help of his songs.

A city, a TV channel, a newspaper and a football team in Turkmenistan are named in his honor.