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.CAIRO: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reiterated its firm stance against violations of Palestinian rights, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasizing the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the Arab League Summit in Cairo.
In an extraordinary summit convened to counter US President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza reconstruction plan, Prince Faisal strongly condemned the displacement of Palestinians, illegal settlements, and the annexation of Palestinian territories.
He urged the global community to unite in efforts to restore and rebuild Gaza, which has suffered immense devastation.
“The unprecedented suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza requires an immediate and collective international response to restore normalcy, rebuild infrastructure, and ensure that Palestinians live in dignity without any attempts to alter the demographic and territorial realities,” he stated.
The foreign minister expressed hope that the summit would yield tangible outcomes to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and establish a secure, stable, and prosperous region. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in managing Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to its residents.
During the summit, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian-led reconstruction initiative for Gaza, valued at $53 billion, explicitly rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians. In contrast to President Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” proposal, the plan prioritizes restoring essential services and infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, leaders agreed to establish a trust fund to accelerate reconstruction efforts, calling for international contributions to ensure timely implementation. The summit also proposed deploying an international protection and peacekeeping force in Palestinian territories to safeguard civilians and uphold stability.
In a unified stance, the final communique condemned Israel’s recent decision to block humanitarian aid and close border crossings crucial for relief efforts. It reiterated the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive peace that upholds Palestinian rights and ensures long-term regional stability.
The Arab League’s summit in Cairo marks a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy, as Arab nations seek to counter alternative reconstruction plans and uphold the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.
Read more: Trump Thanks Pak On arrest Of Terrorist Involved In 2021 Kabul Airport Attack
