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.RAWALPINDI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) recovered 231 kilograms of narcotics worth over Rs4 million and arrested five suspects during six separate operations conducted across the country, an ANF Headquarters spokesperson said on Wednesday.
According to the spokesperson, 220 kilograms of cannabis were seized from a vehicle near Pataro Toll Plaza, Jamshoro, and the suspect was taken into custody.
In another operation, 2.7 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) concealed in carpet strips were recovered from a parcel destined for Australia at a courier office on Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi.
Similarly, 2 kilograms of weed were recovered from a parcel sent from the United States at the cargo shed of Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
In Islamabad, 3.6 kilograms of hashish and 1.2 kilograms of opium were recovered from a vehicle near Chungi No. 26, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
The spokesperson added that 25 grams of cocaine and 500 psychotropic pills weighing 279 grams were recovered from a vehicle near Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, where two suspects were arrested on the spot.
In another incident, 1.2 kilograms of hashish were recovered from a vehicle at the Motorway Toll Plaza, Islamabad, and the driver was taken into custody.
Cases have been registered against the suspects under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, and further investigations are underway, the ANF said.
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