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: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said on Monday that any decision to deploy Pakistani troops to Gaza for peacekeeping missions would rest with the government and parliament.
During a media briefing, the military spokesperson emphasized that the Pakistan Army has no desire to be involved in politics, reiterating that the military must remain separate from political affairs. He affirmed that the army’s foremost responsibility is ensuring national security and safeguarding the country’s borders and citizens.
Lt Gen Sharif further clarified that Pakistan’s security is guaranteed by its own armed forces, not by Afghanistan, adding that Islamabad has never celebrated the Taliban’s rise to power.
The military spokesperson also confirmed ongoing operations against banned organization, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
“In Istanbul, the Afghan Taliban were clearly told that they need to control terrorism,” he stated.
Also read:FO: Pakistan to Stay Engaged in Afghan Talks
