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.ANEKAL (Bengaluru): In a first-of-its kind international animal exchange program (IAEP), the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has received four cheetahs, among other exotic species, as part of a historic swap with Japan’s Himeji Safari Park. In return, four Asian elephants from Bannerghatta have been sent to Japan.
According to the park authorities, this initiative has been approved by the Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi and supported by other concerned departments.
The animals transferred to Japan include four Asian elephants – Suresh (eight-year-old male); and three females including Gauri (9), Shruti (7), and Tulsi (5). These elephants were flown from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Kansai International Airport near Osaka aboard a Qatar Airways cargo flight (B777-200F).
Before the exchange program, the elephants underwent six months of special training to prepare for the journey. Officials informed that all four are in good health and physically fit to travel. Accompanying them on the trip are two veterinarians from Himeji Safari Park, two veterinary officers from Bannerghatta, four animal caretakers, one supervisor and a zoologist.
The major highlight of the exchange is the arrival of four cheetahs at the Bannerghatta Biological Park. This is for the first time that cheetahs have been brought to Bannerghatta, creating excitement among wildlife lovers and boosting the park’s biodiversity profile.
Along with the cheetahs, the park is also receiving four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees and eight capuchin monkeys.
The arrival of these animals is expected to attract more visitors and enhance the park’s reputation with regard to wildlife education and conservation.
Notably, a team of eight BBP staff members visited Himeji Safari Park for two weeks to ensure that elephants adapt smoothly to their new new environment. Similarly, from May 12 to May 25, 2025, caretakers from Himeji were trained at Bannerghatta in handling and caring of Asian elephants.
This is reportedly the second such batch of elephants sent from Karnataka to Japan. Prior to this, the Mysuru Zoo had transferred three elephants to Toyohashi Zoo in Japan under a similar programme in May 2021.
Speaking about the wildlife exchange, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Park Surya Sen stated, “All necessary arrangements related to logistics, food and veterinary care have been made to ensure a safe and comfortable journey of the elephants. The inclusion of Asian elephants in Japan’s Himeji Safari Park will offer a wonderful opportunity for the public there.”
Meanwhile, the arrival of cheetahs and other exotic animals is being hailed as a milestone for Bengaluru, giving the city’s wildlife scene a global dimension and reinforcing Bannerghatta’s position as a premier zoological destination in India.
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