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.QUETTA: Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has reiterated that India after tasting humiliating defeat in “Marka-e-Haq” — the 19-day military conflict with New Delhi spanning April 22 to May 10, has escalated its proxy war against Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated.
Interacting with participants of the 16th National Workshop in Balochistan, the army chief vehemently condemned India’s blatant sponsorship of terror proxies, characterizing them as a failed attempt to target the deep-rooted patriotism of the people of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said.
Noting that India had escalated its proxy war to advance nefarious designs i.e., Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan — pawns of hybrid war against Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir has revealed that “these proxies will face a similar fate and humiliation as faced in Marka-e-Haq”.
Addressing a diverse group of stakeholders including parliamentarians, representatives of civil society, civil servants, academicians, media personnel and youth, the army chief emphasised that terrorists knew no bounds of religion, sect, or ethnicity, necessitating a unified national response, stressing the imperative of collective resolve in confronting this menace.
Reaffirming Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to uproot the menace of terrorism and the inevitability of socio-economic uplift of Balochistan for national cohesion and integration, the COAS reiterated the country’s commitment to regional peace and underscored the nation’s preparedness to respond decisively to any external or internal threats, protecting national prestige and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
Furthermore, he also highlighted the pivotal role of development initiatives in Balochistan, advocating for enhanced inter-agency cooperation and a cohesive national approach to propel provincial progress and national advancement.
His remarks come days after the Pakistan Army’s top brass, during the 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), vowed to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against the Indian backed and sponsored proxies.
The CCC meeting chaired by the field marshal Munir, took note of the Indian Army’s baseless insinuations to offset its comprehensive defeat.
The CCC’s observation echoed the remarks made by Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during an interview with Al Jazeera where he said that New Delhi was acting as a “bully” and using terror cells and carrying out transnational killings in Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistan Rejects Indian Claims On War, Asks Modi To Accept Defeat
