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: Pakistan shot down two Indian surveillance Dromes (quadcopters) along the Line of Control (LoC), exposing repeated ceasefire violations and provocative actions by Indian forces, security sources revealed.
According to official reports, the first incident occurred in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district, where a drone operated by India’s 5 Assam Regiment was downed. Just hours later, another Indian quadcopter was intercepted and destroyed in the Satwal sector while attempting to spy inside Pakistani territory.
Security and defense experts have warned that India’s repeated and irresponsible military actions, especially along a sensitive border like the LoC, are deliberate attempts to sabotage peace in the region.
“These intrusions are not accidental. They reflect India’s aggressive posturing and are aimed at heightening tensions with Pakistan at a time when political narratives are being weaponized across the border,” one senior defense analyst noted.
The incidents have been hailed as proof of the Pakistan Army’s vigilance, defense preparedness, and professional competence.
“This swift action shows that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully alert and capable of responding effectively to any form of aggression,” said a defense official. “Our military remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace, but any violation will be met with a befitting and effective response.”
The drone incidents come shortly after Pakistan’s strong rejection of Indian allegations in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Senior Pakistani officials and analysts, including Najam Sethi, have called the Pahalgam attack a false flag operation aimed at influencing public sentiment ahead of Indian elections.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army had shot down an Indian quadcopter after it allegedly violated Pakistan’s airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district. According to the security officials, the Indian quadcopter was attempting surveillance when it was intercepted and brought down by Pakistan Army troops.
“The timely action by Pakistan Army thwarted the enemy’s nefarious attempt to spy across the border,” the sources said, adding that the incident once again demonstrated the Army’s “professionalism, readiness, and defensive preparedness.”
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