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.KARACHI: Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Vice President, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) criticized Prime Minister Imran Khan for calling the Hazara communitys’ protest and their demand of his arrival as blackmail, calling him void of humanity.
Talking to media in Karachi, Maryam Nawaz said that she was forced to respond to the Prime Ministers recent statement about the ongoing Quetta protest.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister had said that no premier can be blackmailed and it is not appropriate to condition the burial of the victims of the gruesome Machh incident with PMs arrival.
He was speaking at a ceremony in connection with the launch of Special Technology Zones Authority in Islamabad, where he said that he would visit the mourners today if the slain coal miners are buried. The Prime Minister said the government has accepted all the demands of Hazara community and delaying the burial any further makes no sense.
In response to the same statement, Maryam Nawaz said that for the last six days, families of the affected and their community has been waiting for his arrival. As the Prime Minister, it is his responsibility and duty to share the their grief, she added.
She criticized the PM further saying that he is the embodiment of arrogance, for being stubborn and egoistic in such a sensitive matter. “All the victims ask for is compassion from the Prime Minister”, she said.
Maryam Nawaz said the entire nation has felt the pain of the Hazaras and mourns their immense loss, but it wants to know what prevents the PM from going to Quetta and consoling the grieving families.
