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: Junaid Akbar, MNA of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been elected chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the post was lying vacant since the government came into power following the February 2024 elections.
The PAC is considered one of the most powerful parliamentary bodies, with the authority to summon any individual or record from government departments in financial matters.
As per parliamentary norms established following the 2008 general elections, the chair of the PAC is traditionally allotted to the opposition, a practice which continues till today.
During the meeting summoned to elect the PAC chairman, PML-N Chief Whip Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, NA and Senate opposition leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, respectively, recommended Akbar’s name for the slot.
The election was held when the quorum of the committee was completed.
PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar, Riaz Fatyana, Wajiha Qamar, Sardar Yousuf Zaman and others raised their hands in support of Junaid Akbar.
Earlier, the PTI had nominated MNA Sher Afzal Marwat for the PAC’s chairmanship, but later replaced him with Sheikh Waqas Akram, the party’s spokesperson.
The nomination for the PAC chairmanship slot also caused rift in the former ruling party, when Sher Afzal Marwat refused to work with senior party leaders after his nomination was revoked for the slot.
Last year in May, Marwat alleged that PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz did not let him meet founder chairman Imran Khan, in connivance with the jail superintendent.
He pointed out that earlier both Ayub and Faraz claimed that the PML-N was not ready to accept him as the PAC chairman. They quoted Khawaja Asif and NA speaker as having said so, whereas both denied it.
Later, the PTI issued a show-cause notice to him for violating its code of conduct and policy. He was also expelled from PTI’s core and political committees on the directives of Imran.
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