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.KARACHI: Unidentified armed men looted Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) former member of the National Assembly (MNA), Khawaja Sohail Mansoor at gunpoint in Clifton area of the metropolis on late Wednesday night.
According to details, unknown armed men riding a motorbike intercepted Khawaja Sohail Mansoor as he left a shopping centre near Bilawal House in his car. They looted wallet, watch and mobile phone from him. The suspects also issued life threats to Mansoor and fled the scene.
It is pertinent to mention here, on 8 January 2019, a very similar incident took place in Karachi as some unidentified armed men in a white Corolla car attempted to stop former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair in Defence Phase –VI, when Zubair along with his wife heading toward his residence, where few armed men in white Corolla blocked his way on the road and one of the armed men also pointed a pistol at him. However, Zubair sped up and remained safe.
