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.ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand its exports to China during the financial year 2025–26, with dozens of companies preparing to participate in major international exhibitions across Chinese cities, according to a report by Gwadar Pro.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has released its 2025–26 calendar, outlining a series of trade events where Pakistani delegations will showcase their products.
Key sectors being promoted include seafood, fruits, textiles, carpets, leather goods, and multi-category exports. This strategy aims to diversify Pakistan’s export base while strengthening its position in China’s fast-growing consumer markets.
Pakistani exporters are scheduled to participate in the Seafood and Fisheries Expo in Qingdao from October 29–31, 2025, the Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong from September 3–5, 2025, and the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Exhibition in September 2025.
The leather sector has already represented Pakistan at the All-China Leather Exhibition in Shanghai last month and will again be showcased at the APLF fairs in Hong Kong in March 2026.
Multi-sector participation is also planned at some of China’s largest trade platforms, including the Canton Fair in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2025, and again in April 2026; the China International Import Expo in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2025; the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning from September 17 to 21, 2025; and the China-South Asia Expo in Kunming in June 2026.
These exhibitions are expected to provide Pakistani exporters with opportunities to access China’s vast consumer market and establish connections with buyers across Asia.
In addition to exhibitions, Pakistani businesses will engage in B2B meetings, seminars, and networking events to further enhance trade opportunities.
On September 4, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) hosted the Pakistan-China B2B Conference in Beijing. Federal Secretary of the SIFC Division, Jamil Qureshi, described the event as a ‘big day for Pakistan,’ noting that more than 1,200 credible companies participated, covering 10 sectors of mutual interest. He added that multi-billion-dollar joint ventures are expected to be signed.
