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: Colin Munro’s unbeaten 42-ball 59 and Jason Holder four-for powered Islamabad United to a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Lahore Qalandars in the opener of the PSL X at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Chasing a 140-run target, the United (143-2) completed the run-chase with 14 balls remaining. Munro showcased his experience with the bat and helped rebound Islamabad United’s innings despite the loss of Sahibzada Farhan (25) and Andries Gous (4).
Asif Afridi castled Gous, who could only cream a boundary. Farhan looked in good touch but was dismissed by Haris Rauf.
Earlier, Jason Holder’s four-for and other bowlers’ brilliance helped Islamabad United bundle out Lahore Qalandars for 139 inside the 20th over.
According to details, the Islamabad United bowlers had put pressure on the Qalandars’ batters.
Only Abdullah Shafique (66) and Sikandar Raza (23) offered some resistance with the bat for the Qalandars.
After being put in to bat first, the Qalandars got off to a horrendous start, losing three quick wickets as Fakhar Zaman (1), Muhammad Naeem (8), and Daryl Mitchell (13) were dismissed early.
Sam Billings made his way back to the pavilion without scoring.
Abdullah Shafique was the only exception, showing resilience with the bat.
Jahandad Khan had also perished without scoring a run as Jason Holder removed him.
Holder removed veteran Qalandars all-rounder David Wiese on the next delivery.
Holder also removed Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on 7-ball 2.
For the United, Jason Holder (4-26) spearheaded the bowling attack, scooping up four wickets.
Shadab Khan (3-25) bagged three wickets.
Naseem Shah (1-38), Riley Meredith (1-26) and Imad Wasim (1-21) took a scalp each.
TOSS
Islamabad United have elected to field first in the opener of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Andries Gous, who proved his mettle in the 2024 T20 World Cup for the United States of America made his PSL debut today.
TEAMS
Islamabad United: Andries Gous,Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Shadab Khan (captain), Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Naeem, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wicket-keeper), Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.
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