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: Justice Kareem Khan Agha was formally sworn in as a judge of the Federal Constitutional Court on Saturday, with Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan administering the oath during a ceremony held at the Islamabad High Court.
Earlier on Friday, at a separate oath-taking ceremony, Justices Aamir Farooq, Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Ali Baqir Najfi were also sworn in as judges of the court.
The ceremony, held at the Islamabad High Court, was also attended by Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, other High Court judges, the president of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, lawyers, and other dignitaries.
The Ministry of Law and Justice has officially issued a notification appointing six judges to the Federal Constitutional Court: Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Aamir Farooq, Justice Kareem Khan, Justice Rozi Khan, Justice Ali Baqir, and Justice Arshad Hussain.
It should be noted that Justice Musarrat Hilali has excused herself from being part of the Federal Constitutional Court due to health problems.
Three Islamabad High Court judges – Justice Mohsin Akhtar, Justice Tariq Mahmood, Justice Ijaz Ishaq, Justice Saman Rifat Imtiaz, and Justice Babar Sattar were not present at the oath-taking ceremony.
The Federal Constitutional Court’s headquarters will be established at the Islamabad High Court, where Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan will occupy Room No. 1, and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar will move to Room No. 2.
Earlier on Friday morning, President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to Justice Aminuddin Khan as the first Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court.
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