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: Pakistani neuro-.scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui had requested outgoing United States President Joe Biden to grant her a presidential pardon before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The plea, made through her lawyer Clive Stafford, was accompanied by a 76,500-word dossier, which Siddiqui’s legal team claimed could help prove her innocence.
In an interview with British media, Dr Siddiqui had expressed hope that the new evidence would lead to her release. “I have suffered from injustice and endured pain every day. It has not been easy, but Inshallah, one day I will be freed from this torment,” she had stated.
Clive Stafford, her lawyer, also shared optimism about the possibility of a presidential pardon for Dr Siddiqui, highlighting the recent developments in her case.
The timing of the appeal was significant, as Biden’s presidency was set to end the following day, with Trump’s inauguration scheduled for 20 January.
According to reports, President Biden had already pardoned 39 individuals, including his son, by that point.
Dr Siddiqui, 52, had been sentenced to 86 years in prison in 2010 after being convicted of attempting to allegedly kill an FBI agent in Afghanistan.
She had been accused of having links with the Al-Qaeda leadership and had been incarcerated in the US since 2010.
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