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.UNITED NATIONS: The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar highlighted food insecurity and climate change as two of the gravest global challenges while addressing the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on Monday.
Speaking during the General Debate of the Ministerial Segment, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and said the country is striving to ensure inclusive progress while protecting its most vulnerable segments.
Dar was of the view that despite the compounded impacts of the pandemic, economic disruptions, and worsening climate threats, Pakistan remained focused on long-term development goals.
He introduced Pakistan’s flagship “Uraan Pakistan” initiative as a cornerstone of the national development agenda. He highlighted efforts such as the expansion of Danish Schools across the country, aimed at providing free and quality education to deserving children.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), he noted, continues to be a lifeline for millions of families facing economic hardship. He also discussed environment-focused projects like the ‘Living Indus’ and ‘Recharge Pakistan’ programmes, designed to build climate resilience and improve water conservation.
In a major policy commitment, Dar announced Pakistan’s target to derive 60 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. He also underlined the importance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in channelling foreign investment into sectors that align with sustainable growth goals.
Calling for urgent reforms, Dar stressed the need to revamp the global financial architecture, urging greater access to concessional funding, climate finance, and debt relief for developing nations. “National efforts cannot succeed in isolation,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the forum, Dar held a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the Foreign Office, he reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for multilateralism and the UN Charter.
The Secretary-General praised Pakistan’s initiatives under its current Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), which Islamabad assumed for July 2025. This marks Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member, continuing through 2026.
During its presidency, Pakistan is advancing discussions on multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and cooperation between the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
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