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: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has reconstituted the bench hearing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s bail applications in connection with eight cases linked to the May 9 riots.
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi has joined the three-member bench in place of Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb. The newly formed bench will now be headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui.
The reconstituted bench is expected to resume hearings on the former prime minister’s bail applications soon.
In last hearing of August 12, an earlier bench comprising Chief Justice Afridi, Justice Siddiqui, and Justice Aurangzeb had heard Imran Khan’s bail pleas.
Barrister Salman Safdar represented Khan. Punjab Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Naqvi appeared for the state.
During proceedings, the Chief Justice questioned the Lahore High Court’s detailed judgment, which had rejected Khan’s bail. He observed that issuing final findings at the bail stage could influence the trial unfairly.
“If we touch upon legal findings at this stage, the case of either party may be affected,” CJP Afridi remarked.
He instructed both sides’ lawyers to assist the court on key legal questions and come fully prepared for the next hearing.
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