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.MANAMA (Bahrain): In a significant stride to strengthen Bahrain-Pakistan ties in healthcare and medical education, a high-level delegation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) visited Bahrain on April 8, 2025. The visit culminated in the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CPSP and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU).
The MoU will pave the way for comprehensive cooperation in postgraduate medical training, joint research, and faculty and student exchanges. The partnership also aligns with global priorities by addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to the AGU collaboration, the CPSP delegation engaged in high-profile meetings to explore further opportunities in Bahrain’s healthcare sector. The delegation met with Lieutenant General Doctor Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health Bahrain, to discuss avenues for future cooperation in medical training, research, and healthcare policy development. The discussions underscored the potential for long-term collaboration to strengthen healthcare systems in both nations.
Later in the day, the delegation held talks with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Bahrain (RCSI) to explore synergies in medical education and accreditation, further expanding the scope of international cooperation.
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