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.BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reiterated his country’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat all forms of terrorism, saying Pakistan will always remain a diplomatic priority of China.
“We have Confidence on the Pakistani military’s leadership that continued role in ensuring safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institu-tions across Pakistan” The Foreign Minister expressed the reaffirmation during a high-level meeting between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.
Congratulating General Munir on his recent elevation to the rank of Field Marshal, Wang Yi lauded Pakistan Army as a steadfast guardian of national sovereignty and a strong pillar of the enduring China-Pakistan friendship.
He expressed full confidence in the continued role of the Pakistani armed forces in advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Describing China and Pakistan as “ironclad friends” and “all-weather strategic partners,” Wang emphasized that Pakistan remains a diplomatic priority for China. He affirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Pakistan to implement the strategic consensus reached by the leader-ship of both countries, deepen bilateral cooperation, and jointly promote peace and stability in the region.
Field Marshal Munir, in turn, reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for China’s long-standing and consistent support toward its socio-economic development.
He reiterated the Pakistani military’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals and enterprises in Pakistan. He also emphasized Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with China as part of their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.
Both sides exchanged views on key regional and international developments and agreed to continue close coordination on matters of mutual concern.
Read more: China Lauds Pak Role In Regional Peace During Visit Of COAS Munir
