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.ISLAMABAD: Ongoing dialogue between Government and the PTI have stalled on the formation of Judicial Commission on May 9, 2023 and November 24 to 26 issues.
The negotiation committee of PTI has declared on Sunday progress in talks with the government contingent on the establishment of a judicial commission after meeting with party founder Imran Khan.
According to details, on Sunday, the long-awaited meeting took place, following the third round of stalled government-opposition talks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met the PTI founder for an hour and a half in a one-on-one session within Adiala jail’s conference room. Meanwhile, the remaining committee members were kept in the administrative block with four other visitors.
Later, the PTI founder held a one-hour meeting with all five committee members. Gandapur left immediately afterward, but the other members addressed the media outside the jail.
They revealed that two of the seven-member committee, Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Khan, had not attended the meeting, having informed the committee the previous night of their absence.
Speaking to the press, Sahibzada Hamid Raza Khan, a member of the PTI negotiation committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the controlled environment of the meeting. “We held detailed discussions with the party founder, but it was in a restricted setting,” said Raza.
He said that the PTI founder had provided specific guidelines regarding the ongoing talks, emphasising the necessity of forming a neutral commission to investigate the events of 9 May and 26 November. “We are advocating for a commission composed of the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court,” he stated.
According to Raza, the committee informed the government about its readiness for the next round of discussions.
“The government must come prepared for a judicial commission. This is the first step, and without its formation, negotiations cannot proceed,” he added.
Raza said, “The ball is now in the government’s court. We have shown all possible flexibility, and the deadline remains 31 January, as only the party founder holds the authority to extend it.”
Raza also claimed that the PTI founder had also prioritised the release of the detained PTI workers, while “refraining from advocating” for his own release.
“This demand comes from his supporters and our committee, not from him. He [PTI founder] has made it clear that he will face the cases against him and will not seek any executive orders or NROs for his release.”
Discussing potential outcomes, Raza said, “If the verdict on the £190 million reference goes against us, tensions will escalate. However, the PTI founder has given us full authority, and opposition leader Omar Ayub will sign the charter of demand.”
Read more: Judgement of 190m Pounds Case Against Imran, Bushra Likely Today
