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.By Arshad Jaan
SWAT: A polio vaccination team was attacked by unknown assailants in Matta tehsil of District Swat on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a Levies constable, police said.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Swat, Muhammad Umar, the assailants opened fire on the polio team in the hilly area of Arkot village, Matta tehsil. A constable deployed for the team’s security, identified as Abdul Kabir, was killed in the attack.
The DPO stated that the rest of the team, which included female workers, remained unharmed. He said the assailants fled the area after the attack.
The body of the deceased was shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Matta for medico-legal formalities. The DPO added that a search operation has been launched in the area to trace the attackers.
Polio workers, who go door to door for vaccination, are often targeted by militants, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In 2024 alone, 20 people were killed and 53 were injured during anti-polio campaigns in KP.
The recent incident occurred as the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative, led by the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) and partners, launched a week-long polio vaccination campaign to vaccinate over 45 million children in 159 districts across the country as part of ongoing efforts to protect all children from paralytic polio.
In addition to the polio vaccine, children are also receiving Vitamin A drops to help strengthen their immunity. The campaign will run from October 13 to 19 across Pakistan and from October 20 to 23 in seven districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a press release, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the prime minister expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Abdul Kabir, calling the terrorist attack on those engaged in the vital public service of eradicating polio intolerable.
“Despite such resistance from terrorists, the anti-polio campaign continues with full momentum and will persist until polio is completely eliminated,” the prime minister added.
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