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: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday has warned that climate change and rapid population growth pose serious threat to Pakistan’s Socio-economic developmental trajectory.
He was addressing in an event held in Islamabad to mark World Population Day.
The finance minister further revealed that if Pakistan aims to become a $3 trillion economy in the future, it must confront these twin challenges with urgency and resolve.
“These issues are not abstract concerns—they are directly impacting the lives of our children,” he said, referring to malnutrition, poor sanitation, stunted growth, and the lack of access to clean drinking water.
Highlighting the adverse socio-economic consequences of an unchecked population boom, Mr Aurangzeb underscored the importance of birth spacing and public awareness.
“Appropriate spacing between children is not contrary to Islamic teachings. Mufti Zubair has delivered a vital message on this matter. Educating and empowering women is critical to achieving meaningful progress,” he added.
He also alluded to the recently announced federal budget, which he said was prepared under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with active participation from the entire cabinet.
However, Aurangzeb noted that the current mechanism for population-based distribution under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award warrants a review — a point echoed by both the federal health and planning ministers.
The finance minister drew attention to the imbalance between federal and provincial development allocations, revealing that while the federal government’s development budget stands at Rs1 trillion, the provinces command a combined development budget of Rs4 trillion.
“This discrepancy calls for a joint national strategy. We must move beyond provincial silos and act collectively for the country’s future,” he asserted.
Aurangzeb also spoke about Pakistan’s engagement with international financial institutions, disclosing that a 10-year Country Partnership Framework has been finalised with the World Bank. “One-third of the financial commitment under this programme will focus on population control and climate change mitigation,” he stated.
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