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 completed the formation of the larger bench to hear the Article 63A review plea with the inclusion of Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
The decision came after the Practice Procedure Committee, which convened at 9am, added Justice Afghan to the bench following the absence of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah from the committee meeting.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa had originally suggested Justice Mansoor’s name for the bench, but in his absence, Justice Afghan was nominated, completing the five-member bench. The larger bench was scheduled to hear the case at 11:30am.
This development follows recent disclosure of two letters written by Justice Muneeb Akhtar, who is also part of the larger bench. In the letters, Justice Muneeb raised objections to the constitution of the bench hearing the Article 63A review plea, but clarified that his stance should not be interpreted as a recusal from the bench. His participation remains intact.
Chief Justice Isa, in earlier statements, emphasized the need for the judiciary to move forward without delays or stagnation, underscoring the urgency of resolving the matter.
On Monday, the CJP Qazi Faez Isa-led bench heard a review petition regarding the interpretation of Article 63A wherein Justice Muneeb Akhtar — a member of the bench — remained absent from the hearing and did not show up.
CJP Isa called the attorney general to the rostrum to read aloud a letter from Justice Muneeb Akhtar, who refused to sit on the bench formed by the present bench formation committee. The judge clarified in his letter that he was not recusing himself from the bench, but objected to its formation.
CJP Isa had responded stating that if a bench had already been constituted, any member wishing to recuse themselves from a case must do so in open court. He also remarked that they would make efforts to convince Justice Muneeb to join the bench; however, if unsuccessful, a new bench would be formed. He then postponed the hearing until tomorrow, pending Justice Muneeb’s decision.
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