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.LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government and others as it admitted a petition filed against Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for preliminary hearing.
Justice Farooq Haider conducted hearing on the petition filed by the Federal Union of Journalists, asking court to declare the controversial law null and void.
The Election Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) were also made parties in the case.
Advocate Shahbaz Akmal argued that last week, the National Assembly approved the bill related to the PECA Amendment, adding that rules were suspended to fast-track the legislation.
Under the PECA Amendment Act, a punishment of up to three years in prison and fines will be imposed for spreading fake information.
The petitioner stated that in the past, it had been used as a means to suppress the freedom, adding that the stricter punishments would further restrict the freedom of expression.
The lawyer argued that the amendment bill was introduced without consultation with stakeholders and journalists’ organisations.
The petitioner contended that the approval of the PECA Amendment Bill is unconstitutional and contradicts the protection of freedom of speech provided in the Constitution.
The petitioner also requested that any actions taken under this controversial act be suspended until the court makes a final decision on the petition.
Read more: JCP To Meet For Appointment Of Judges For LHC
