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 Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday accused India of being behind the worst train-jacking incident of Bolan and other terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
During his weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan also confirmed that the rescue operation following the Jaffar Express attack had been successfully completed.
He also revealed that intelligence reports indicated the terrorists involved were in contact with their associates in Afghanistan during the operation.
The statement comes after security forces carried out a two-day operation to neutralise the terrorists who had hijacked the Jaffar Express.
The ordeal began on Tuesday when separatist militants ambushed the Jaffar Express en route from Quetta to Peshawar, blowing up the railway track and attacking the train with rockets.
The FO spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding concerns about terrorist groups using Afghan soil as a base for cross-border attacks. “We have repeatedly asked the Afghan interim government to prevent organisations like the BLA from operating within its borders,” Khan said.
Pakistan has previously shared evidence with Afghan authorities regarding militant safe havens. While tensions between the two neighbours persist, Islamabad insists that counterterrorism cooperation remains a priority.
Following the operation, Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the chief military spokesperson, revealed that 21 hostages lost their lives during the day-long standoff.
However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general firmly said that no civilians were harmed in the final rescue operation carried out by the armed forces.
“Today we freed a large number of people, including women and children … The final operation was carried out with great care,” he said, adding that no civilians were killed in the operation. The security forces had cleared the train “bogey to bogey”, he said.
According to the DG ISPR, the attack occurred in a remote and difficult-to-access area. He stated that the rescue operation was launched immediately, with the Army, Air Force and Frontier Corps (FC) taking part. “Today, SSG [Special Service Group] personnel also participated,” he added.
According to the ISPR statement, the terrorists included suicide bombers. “Tragically, during the stage of this intense standoff, the terrorists took the lives of 21 innocent hostages, before the commencement of clearance operation,” the statement continued.
“Additionally, 4 brave security forces’ soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat. Their selfless actions saved countless lives and prevented further catastrophe,” he added.
Read more: 33 Terrorists Killed, 25 People Martyred In Jaffar Express Operation: ISPR
