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: Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) leadership dared to threaten the Centre to topple the KP government if they have the required numbers.
While addressing a joint presser the PTI leadership reiterated that PTI is united and warned that any move to topple the provincial government through constitutional means would not succeed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the press conference said,”No matter how hard they try, our government cannot be brought down through constitutional means,” Gandapur said. “If anyone thinks they can topple our government, I challenge them — I will quit politics.”
“Anyone who thinks they can create division within PTI is mistaken,” CM Gandapur said and claimed that the day’s meeting conveyed a clear message of unity within the party.
“Our authority and this government belong entirely to the PTI founder. Whenever he gives the order, the government can be dissolved,” he said, adding: “You cannot achieve anything constitutionally.”
Moving forward, he said that the Constitution had been violated and PTI’s mandate had been stolen. Gandapur condemned the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it an “attack on the judiciary” and a “blot on Pakistan’s judicial and democratic systems.”
“May 9 was just a pretext — the real target was our party’s founder,” he added, alleging lobbying efforts against PTI and that he was pressured to make statements against the PTI founder while in custody.
Gandapur alleged that he was taken across Pakistan and asked repeatedly to quit PTI. “Our mandate was first stolen, and then our reserved seats were snatched,” he said.
Regarding the Kurram issue, he said it was an inherited problem and the road had remained open for the last four months. “Talk to your neighbors, change your policy. A neighboring country has defeated global powers, this border is not safe,” he cautioned.
He claimed there was a plan to impose an emergency in KP. “When the PTI founder was out of jail, he spoke about negotiations.”
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that PTI founder Imran Khan has always called for dialogue.
“We reviewed the letter concerning negotiations with detained leaders. He has always emphasised meaningful dialogue. Anyone eager to bring a no-confidence motion is welcome to try. Every plan will be executed only on the PTI founder’s instructions.”
He said PTI leaders were elected with the founder’s votes and that the goal of today’s meeting was to demonstrate unity. “After these developments, our seats were snatched. References were sent against our MNAs and punishments were imposed. When we requested meetings on KP’s budget, they were denied.”
Barrister Gohar asserted: “We will defend the KP government at all costs. Those wanting to bring a no-confidence motion lack the numbers. PTI’s government stands and will continue. If there are to be negotiations, concrete steps must be taken.”
For his part, PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja said that February 8 was historic — people came out in huge numbers.
“This is not a political war but a fight for rights. We will fight the PTI founder’s war and victory will be ours.”
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram demanded a judicial commission from the Chief Justice to probe the deaths of imprisoned PTI workers. “Many were released after 10 or 11 months in jail — and most came out sick.”
PTI KP President Junaid Akbar said all party leaders from the National Assembly and KP Assembly were present at the meeting. “Despite internal differences, we will act on every order of the PTI founder.”
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