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.DHAKA: Bangladesh Police have formally requested Interpol to issue a red corner notice against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with 11 others, over allegations of a conspiracy to overthrow the interim government.
The request, filed in connection with ongoing investigations, is part of a broader legal effort to hold Hasina accountable for her role in the political upheaval that led to her ouster.
Hasina, who fled to India after her 16-year rule ended in August last year, faces multiple serious charges, including mass murder and corruption. The Bangladesh Police has now brought a case against her and 72 others, accusing them of conspiring to spark civil unrest and unseat the interim administration led by economist Muhammad Yunus.
Enamul Haque Sagor, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at the Police Headquarters, confirmed the submission of the request, stating that these actions stem from evidence collected during the ongoing investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
“These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings,” Sagor told the Dhaka Tribune.
The red corner notice, if granted by Interpol, would help locate and provisionally arrest the accused pending extradition or similar legal processes. “Interpol plays a crucial role in identifying the locations of fugitives residing abroad. Once the whereabouts of any absconding individual are confirmed, that information is relayed to Interpol,” Sagor added.
In November 2024, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal had formally requested that Bangladesh Police seek Interpol’s assistance in arresting Hasina and others, who are considered fugitives. The case follows the mass protests in Bangladesh that toppled Hasina’s government, which was accused of crimes against humanity and gross human rights violations.
Hasina’s sudden departure came on August 5, 2024, following a massive student-led uprising. In the wake of her exile, many of her close allies, including ministers and party leaders, either faced arrest or fled abroad to avoid prosecution.
This new chapter in the legal saga marks an intensification of efforts to bring Hasina and her allies to justice, highlighting the ongoing political turbulence in Bangladesh, which continues to shape its future.
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