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.LAHORE: The flood waters in Punjab have started receding but leaving behind houses and other structures in ruins. However, restoration work could not be started due to various reasons.
Floods have caused horrible devastation in Punjab. In Lahore alone, 26 localities across five tehsils have been affected, with 82,952 people suffering losses and 36,658 displaced.
In Alipur, several villages have been devastated, including Lashari, Chanjan, Maysar, and Chandia. Areas like Khan Garh Doimah, Sitpur, Lati Madi, Choki Gabol, and Azmatpur were severely affected. Gulwan Doim, Choki Gabol, Mari, and other regions still remain under water.
The water level at Minchanabad on the Sutlej River has started to decrease, but restoration efforts have not yet begun. In the affected village of Bahramka Hathar, life has not returned to normal.
More than 15 villages around Minchanabad still have no road access, with floodwaters five to seven feet deep. Hundreds of acres of crops have been destroyed.
Meanwhile, the situation in Uch Sharif and Ahmed Pur Sharqia has worsened, with 36 localities in Uch Sharif experiencing house demolitions and thousands of acres affected.
Floodwaters from the Sutlej have caused devastation in 67 localities of Minchanabad, affecting 56,374 people across a 76 km river belt. Over 20 villages still have no land access.
In Chishtian, floods engulfed 47 localities, destroying homes and displacing people.
In Shujaabad, the village of So Mun was wiped out, with hundreds of houses collapsing and thousands rendered homeless.
Arifwala also faces widespread devastation, with many villages destroyed and houses reduced to rubble.
The motorway near Jalalpur Pirwala has been flooded, and the M-5 has been closed.
In Sindh water inflow is increasing at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages. At Guddu Barrage, inflow was recorded at 594,936 cusecs and Sukkur 508,830 cusecs, while at Head Panjnad flow decreased to 230,000 cusecs.
In Ghotki, floodwaters breached the Rontri embankment, submerging cotton and sugarcane crops.
Dozens of villages in Union Council Bond and Qadirpur in Ubaro have been flooded. Near Kamal Dero in Noshero Feroz, the Mai Jo Bhan irrigation bund was breached, submerging over 50 villages.
Nodero is experiencing high-level flooding, with water flow recorded at 526,067 cusecs. The Morya Loop bund and Barra Patan are under severe pressure.
Mitho Khadro village has been severely affected by floods, with water entering homes.
A report on flood damage in Lahore has been prepared. Affected areas include four localities in City Tehsil, nine in Ravi, five in Allama Iqbal, seven in Raiwind, and one in Wagah Tehsil.
The report states that 7,888 people were transported to safe locations, and 36,658 trapped individuals were evacuated. Three people were injured, but no deaths were reported in Lahore.
Floods damaged one road, but no roofs collapsed, no embankments breached, and no bridges were damaged. Seventeen medical camps were established, providing services to 16,967 people.
Twenty-six veterinary camps were set up for livestock, treating 18,921 animals and relocating 13,621 to safe areas.
Read more: No Roof Collapsed, Dam Broke, Bridge Damaged In Lahore Flood: Report
