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, Dec 26 (INP): Renowned Urdu and Punjabi poet, Munir Ahmed Niazi was remembered on his 12th death anniversary on Wednesday with solemnity.
Munir Niazi was born on April 19, 1928 in a village near India’s Hoshiarpur. He attained his early education from Khanpur and completed his matriculation in Sahiwal after the partition.
He completed his intermediate from SE College, Bahawalpur. Later he did his BA degree from Diyal Singh College, Lahore.Munir Niazi proved himself as one of Pakistan’s famous movie songwriter. He also wrote a number of pieces for newspapers and radio. Niazi was able to captivate writers and poets through his writings.
Munir Niazi wrote numerous film songs and made his name as the foremost movie songwriter of Pakistan. He also wrote for newspapers magazines and radio.
He launched a weekly ‘Saat Rang’ from Sahiwal in 1949. He also established a publication institute Al Misal in 1960. He also remained associated with the Lahore Television and lived in Lahore until his death.His poetry influenced an entire generation of young writers and poets. His works include Dushmanoon Key Darmiyan, Mah-e-Munir, Aghaz-e-Zamastan Main Dobara and Aik Musalsal.
Munir deeply influenced his contemporaries and later generations of poets and is respected by the reading public. His works have been translated into many other languages.For his literary achievements, Munir Niazi was awarded Kamal-e-Funn Award for the year 2002 by Pakistan Academy of Letters and the President’s Award for Pride of Performance in 1992 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1998.
He passed away of respiratory illness on December 26, 2006 in Lahore.
