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.KARACHI: The Sindh government has suspended the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) director general following the tragic building collapse in the Lyari Baghdadi area of Karachi, which claimed 27 lives.
The government also announced Rs one million ompensation for the families of each deceased victim.
Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, alongside Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Home Minister Zia Lanjar, addressed a press conference and vowed strict action against those responsible for the tragedy.
He said that anyone found negligent in their duties would be held accountable and that a case would be registered against the culprits.
Memon stated that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had immediately suspended the SBCA chief and directed the Home Minister to lodge an FIR and ensure the strictest action is taken against those involved.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of 27 lives and stand with the affected families of Lyari in this time of grief,” Memon added.
He further said that the chief minister has expanded the scope of the fact-finding committee by including the Karachi Commissioner and instructed that the inquiry report be submitted within two days, after which a ruthless crackdown will be launched based on its recommendations.
Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani revealed that the SBCA officers present in the area on the day of the incident—including the Director, Deputy Director, and Inspectors—had already been suspended.
He further announced that all SBCA officials who served in the area since the building was first declared dangerous in 2022 will be investigated. Any officer found guilty of negligence will be named in the FIR.
Ghani also informed that the fact-finding committee has been given an additional 48 hours to complete its work, with the Karachi Commissioner now leading the investigation. The report is expected within two days.
Additionally, the commissioner has been tasked with providing detailed data within the next 24 hours on all 51 dangerous buildings identified in Karachi, including the number of units and residents in each. This will enable immediate demolition operations to begin.
The rescue operation following the collapse of a five-storey building in Karachi’s Lyari area was completed on Sunday, with the death toll rising to 27.
The debris was cleared from the site in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, where heavy machinery was employed to remove the rubble. According to rescue officials, 27 bodies were recovered from the collapsed structure. Of the 11 injured, 10 have been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment, while one remains under care.
The final victim retrieved from the wreckage was a young man named Zaid. Among the deceased are three children, nine women, and 15 men.
The incident took place on Friday in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, bringing down the entire structure and causing damage to adjacent buildings. Rescue teams managed to pull out 10 people alive from the debris. Emergency response teams — including Rescue 1122, police, and Rangers — reached the scene promptly and launched relief efforts. Heavy machinery is being used to clear the rubble and aid search operations.
Read more: Karachi Building Collapse Claims 27 Lives; Rescue Called Off 3rd Day
