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: In a landmark step to boost Pakistan–China collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) signed agreements with 24 leading Chinese institutes and organizations during a high-profile ceremony in Beijing.
The signing coincided with the official visit of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and was witnessed by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who attended as Chief Guest.
Representing Pakistan, Muhammad Aamir Jan, Executive Director NAVTTC, formalized the agreements.
Speaking to Gwadar Pro, Yasser Shakoor Chaudhary, Director of UNI Services International (Pvt) Ltd, noted that 13 of the high-level agreements were facilitated through the collaboration of ITMC Technology Co. Ltd China and UNI Pakistan.
The Chinese side was represented by Wang Peng, Managing Director of ITMC China, and Max Ma, CEO of UNI Pakistan, along with senior officials from partner institutions.
A major milestone of the event was the launch of the China–Pakistan Industry and Education Integration International Service Centre, envisioned as a hub for joint training, curriculum innovation, and industry-driven education.
The cooperation framework includes a Memorandum of Understanding between NAVTTC, ITMC China, and UNI International, along with Letters of Cooperation with leading Chinese vocational colleges.
The partnership will introduce specialized TVET programs aligned with the Digital Pakistan vision, focusing on Chinese language training, trainer development, and capacity building in e-commerce, digital media, software development, and modern agriculture.
Plans also include establishing Centres of Excellence and developing industry-relevant curricula.
Guided by the principle of ‘Services for the Youth and Services for the Future’, the initiative aims to equip thousands of Pakistani youth with globally competitive skills, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen educational and technological ties between the two nations.
