Islamabad: Rising tobacco and nicotine use among Pakistan’s youth, especially around educational institutions, emerged as the central concern at a national review session on tobacco control held by the Aurat Foundation in Islamabad.
Participants from Parliament, government departments, health organizations, and civil society warned that easy availability of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and flavored tobacco near schools is creating a growing public health threat. The discussion also pointed to a noticeable increase in tobacco use among women, indicating a shifting trend.
The session called for stronger legislation, faster policy action, and strict enforcement to counter the rapid spread of emerging nicotine products. Speakers emphasized that existing laws remain poorly implemented due to procedural delays, weak monitoring, and limited coordination between federal and provincial bodies.
The need for clear parental awareness, community engagement, and better recognition of new nicotine products was highlighted as an essential part of early prevention. Officials noted that families and schools often remain unaware of modern products marketed to young people.
Technical briefings identified major enforcement gaps and policy loopholes that allow the tobacco industry to expand its reach. Participants noted that companies are increasingly using social media trends, entertainment content, and youth-focused marketing to promote vaping in urban areas.
Government representatives reaffirmed ongoing federal efforts to implement the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 and to tighten regulations where required. Provincial representatives also announced plans to introduce new resolutions to strengthen tobacco control.
Education sector officials raised alarms over the rise of nicotine products around private institutions and called for tougher regulatory checks. Regulatory authorities stressed the need for a broader social movement to counter tobacco use nationwide.
Closing the event, the Aurat Foundation reiterated its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term public awareness initiatives aimed at building a healthier, tobacco-free society.LAHORE: As many as twelve persons lost their lives in separate roof collapse incidents in Lahore on Wednesday as relentless monsoon rains pounded the provincial capital and other parts of Punjab.
The downpour, which began early in the morning, triggered two deadly roof collapse incidents in Thokar Niaz Baig and Kot Jamal Pura areas of Lahore. Rescue officials confirmed that five people — including two women, two girls and an elderly man — died in the Maridwal locality of Thokar Niaz Baig when a residential roof caved in.
Urban Search and Rescue teams, assisted by live locators, were deployed to trace survivors trapped under the debris.
In a separate incident, a roof collapsed in the Kot Jamal Pura area along Raiwind Road, resulting in the deaths of three people and the injuries of another. The bodies and the injured were shifted to THQ Hospital Raiwind.
Record-breaking rainfall was witnessed in provincial capital that submerges Lahore.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), stated that Lahore’s Paniwala Talab recorded 171mm of rainfall — the highest so far this monsoon — followed by Iqbal Town at 169mm. Other areas, including Samanabad, Tajpura, and Lakshmi Chowk, also received more than 100mm of rain.
Major roads such as Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, and Gulberg were submerged, severely affecting traffic flow. In Johar Town’s Board of Revenue Society, rainwater entered residential buildings, prompting urgent drainage measures.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, along with WASA officials, visited waterlogged areas near Gaddafi Stadium. He directed immediate drainage work and instructed all assistant commissioners to personally supervise relief operations in their respective areas.
“All WASA staff and district administration teams are actively engaged in drainage efforts,” said Mr Raza. Authorities also urged residents to avoid contact with electrical wires during the downpour to prevent accidents.
Despite the flooding, the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell reported that all underpasses in the city had remained clear and accessible throughout the day.
Beyond Lahore, intermittent rain was reported in Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Mian Channu, Sargodha, Sialkot, and Gujrat.
In Faisalabad, torrential rain led to widespread power outages. Similar disruptions were experienced in Arifwala. In Sheikhupura, rainwater entered homes in Shah Colony and Ghang Road, causing distress to local residents.
A woman in Pakpattan lost her life after being electrocuted during the rain, adding to the region’s weather-related fatalities.
The stormy conditions also caused delays in air travel. At Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, three incoming flights — including PIA flights from Jeddah and Dubai, and a foreign airline — were instructed to hold in the air due to low visibility and adverse weather.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued alerts to all deputy commissioners across Punjab, instructing them to activate emergency protocols and remain on high alert. The current wet spell, according to the Meteorological Department, is expected to continue until July 17.
As rescue and relief efforts continue in affected localities, authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary movement and stay indoors until conditions improve.
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