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.PESHAWAR: The failure to effectively implement the National Action Plan (NAP), agreed upon by all political parties, is contributing to the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the DG ISPR said that the province has remained on the frontlines of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign for the past two decades.
“When the frequency of terrorist incidents increased again in 2021, security forces launched a firm and effective response,” he stated. “More Khwarij have been eliminated in the recent past than in the last nine years combined.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the term “Fitna al-Khwarij” is used by the state for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding that the group continues to target both civilians and security personnel.
He revealed that a total of 14,534 counterterrorism operations were conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024. During these operations, 917 personnel of the security forces were martyred, while 516 civilians lost their lives.
The DG ISPR began his address — streamed live on YouTube — by paying tribute to the “brave and resilient people” of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledging their sacrifices alongside the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the security forces are determined to eradicate terrorism and ensure lasting peace in the region, but emphasized that the full implementation of NAP remains crucial to countering the growing threat.
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