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.SRINAGAR: The flood water flowing from South Kashmir is rapidly moving towards Srinagar, causing evacuations and damage. Rescue teams are active, authorities are on alert, and residents are urged to stay safe amid ongoing rain.
Flood water is now rapidly flowing towards Central Kashmir, raising serious concerns of inundation in Srinagar city and its adjoining areas.
Several low-lying localities on the outskirts of Srinagar have already reported water entering residential zones, prompting fears of a worsening situation.
The situation stems from heavy rainfall over the past few days that has caused rivers and streams in South Kashmir particularly in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian to overflow. Thousands of families in these districts have been evacuated, with reports of submerged homes, damaged apple orchards, and blocked roads. Flash floods have washed away several small bridges and disrupted communication in many areas.
Locals from newly affected zones near Srinagar say they were caught off guard. “We are helpless. No warning was issued for our area.
The water entered suddenly, and we had to leave everything behind. The Omar Abdullah-led administration has completely failed to protect us,” said one of the residents, as he waded through knee-deep water.
“Everything is gone. Our houses, belongings, and crops it’s all underwater. We somehow managed to escape, but our hope now lies only with the Central Government,” another affected resident added.
Rescue teams from the Army, SDRF, and NDRF continue to assist in evacuation and relief work, especially in South Kashmir where the situation remains grim. The Indian Army’s 50 RR has launched multiple operations to save those stranded, using boats and other equipment in remote flood-hit zones.
Meanwhile, authorities in Srinagar are on high alert, monitoring water levels in Jhelum and its tributaries. Emergency control rooms have been activated, and efforts are underway to strengthen embankments near vulnerable areas.
The public is advised to stay indoors, avoid water bodies, and follow official updates as more rain is expected over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Earthquake tremors shook parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region late Thursday evening.
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