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.RAWALPINDI: Pakistan army top brass expressed serious concern over continued gross human rights violations by Indian military forces in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Tuesday.
This resolve was expressed during the 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), held at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi under the chair of Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir.
The ISPR, mouth peice of Pakistan Armed Service, the participants paid profound tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who have laid down their lives in pursuit of peace and stability of their beloved motherland.
The forum undertook a comprehensive review of the regional, and internal security landscape, assessing the full spectrum of threats.
The prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the working boundary was discussed.
In solidarity with the resilient people of Kashmir on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day (5 February 2025), the forum strongly condemned the continued blatant human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), recognising them as a grave threat to regional peace and stability.
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, as enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the forum emphasised the significance of international engagement in addressing these persistent violations.
The forum also took serious note of the recent reckless and provocative statements from the Indian military leadership, terming them irresponsible and detrimental to regional stability.
Addressing the forum, COAS Asim Munir stated: “Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These hollow statements from the Indian military are indicative of their growing frustration and serve only to divert the attention of their masses and the international community from their multiple internal fissures and blatant violations of human rights. Any misadventure against Pakistan will be responded with full and resolute force of the state, InshaAllah.”
Expressing grave concern over the continued use of Afghan soil by Fitna Al Khawarij for terrorist activities against Pakistan, the forum stressed the imperative of concrete and tangible actions by Interim Afghan Government against Fitna Al Khawarij instead of denials as well as continuing with the strategy of undertaking all necessary measures in defence of Pakistan and its people.
The forum also underscored the need to accelerate people-centric socio-economic development initiatives in Balochistan, recognising the urgency of countering externally driven narratives of exclusion.
The forum reaffirmed: “No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Balochistan and nefarious designs of foreign-sponsored proxies attempting to mislead and radicalize the youth of Balochistan will be decisively thwarted with the unwavering support of the people of Balochistan, InshaAllah.”
Commending the operational preparedness of all formations, the COAS emphasised the importance of sustained mission-oriented training, enhanced military cooperation, and the conduct of joint exercises in both conventional and counter-terrorism domains.
Concluding the conference, the army chief reaffirmed that the military leadership remains fully cognizant of the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation and is resolute in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities with the steadfast support of the proud people of Pakistan.
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