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 Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan has increased by 41 per cent to reach $1.6 billion, according to recent data highlighting the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) strategic initiatives for economic stability.
The SIFC’s “single window” model has significantly improved project-based investment and interministerial coordination, creating an environment conducive to foreign investment despite regional economic challenges.
During the first eight months of the current fiscal year, the SIFC has facilitated acquisition deals valued at $148 million through strategic mergers involving major international companies. These investments have primarily targeted priority sectors including defense, information technology, energy, and agriculture.
Saudi company Aramco Asia has acquired a 40 per cent stake in GO Petroleum, while Egyptian company MNT-Halan has successfully acquired Advans Pakistan Microfinance Bank. These developments represent significant injections of foreign capital into Pakistan’s financial and energy sectors.
Additional investment highlights include Eurochem SPA taking a 50 per cenr partnership in Fatima Eurochem Rice Mills, strengthening the agricultural sector. The petroleum retail market has seen substantial foreign interest with Total Parco and Shell Pakistan transactions, with foreign entities acquiring 50 per cent and over 77 per cent shares respectively, enhancing Gulf investment ties with Pakistan.
In the technology sector, Bazaar Technologies secured $100 million in funding, demonstrating growing international investor confidence in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. The fintech sector continues to attract significant attention from global venture capital firms.
Infrastructure development has also received a boost through the joint project between National Logistics Corporation and DP World, addressing critical logistics bottlenecks that have historically hindered economic growth.
The Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025,
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