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: The legendary Sufi singer’s team has reassured fans and admirers of Abida Parveen‘s well-being after a viral video of the icon sitting in a wheelchair at an international event sparked concerns about her health on social media.
“The queen of Sufi music” was reciting ‘Man Kunto Maula’ at the National Museum of Qatar, Doha as she sat in a wheelchair, according to her team.
Her recitation was revered and applauded by many, however, people also noted that the singer was sitting in a wheelchair, sparking concern about her wellbeing.
The concern prompted her team to take to Parveen’s Instagram account and address the issue where the fans were assured that the Sufi legend was healthy and the wheelchair had only been employed for convenience.
“Hello, everybody! We have been seeing lots of concern regarding a video of Abida Ji at the National Museum of Qatar, Doha, reciting Man Kunto Maula,” her team wrote on Instagram stories.
“The concern is due to her use of a wheelchair and we would like to assure you of her well-being, Alhamdulillah. The exhibition she was visiting was a long walk, a distance of which she walked herself but for convenience reasons, a wheelchair was employed,” they explained.
Her team wrote: “Your concern and worry is greatly appreciated, but rest assured, she is doing well. Thank you”.
Parveen is known worldwide for her contributions to Sufi music and composition.
Read more: Government Asks PTI To Review Decision Of Ending Talks
