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.QUETTA: The bodies of nine bus passengers who were murdered in Balochistan were sent to their native towns in Punjab province, the officials said.
Terrorists affiliated with Fitna-tul-Hindustan abducted passengers from the bus travelling form Quetta to Lahore in Zhob district on Thursday night and shot them dead after checking their identities.
According to Dera Ghazi Khan Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed, the bodies were received by the civil and military officials and sent to their respective hometowns.
He stated that the victims belonged to Lahore, Gujrat, Khanewal, Gujranwala, Lodhran, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Muzaffargarh.
The administration revealed that brothers Jabar and Usman, residents of Dunyapur tehsil of Lodhran, were traveling from Balochistan to attend their father’s funeral. They were taken off the bus in front of their women and children and shot dead.
The other victims have been identified as Muhammad Irfan from D.G. Khan, Sabir from Gujranwala, Muhammad Asif from Muzaffargarh, Ghulam Saeed from Khanewal, Muhammad Junaid from Lahore, Muhammad Bilal from Attock and Bilawal from Gujrat.
Sabir, who was employed at a food center, had been working there for 15 years and was the sole breadwinner for his family. He had four children, with the eldest being 14 years old. Sabir was a resident of Wahndo area of Gujranwala.
The banned Balochistan Liberation Front, affiliated with Fitna-tul-Hindustan, claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesperson said the group blocked the road between Musakhel–Mukhtar and Khajuri, and executed the nine abducted passengers.
Meanwhie, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the killing of bus passengers in Balochistan, reiterating the nation’s resolve to purge the country of Fitnat-ul-Hindustan and its facilitators.
The president, in a statement, said that the terrorists took the innocent citizens off a bus and brutally murdered them.
“This barbarity is a heinous conspiracy by Fitnat-ul-Hindustan to spill blood in Pakistan. They want to create chaos and unrest in Pakistan. We will purge our land of Fitnat-ul-Hindustan’ and its facilitators at all costs,” the president resolved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the kidnapping and killing of bus passengers in Sardhaka area of Balochistan, vowing to avenge the blood of innocent people.
“We will deal with terrorists with full force. The blood of innocent people will be avenged,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by the PM Office.
He said that the killing of unarmed civilians was a blatant terrorism by Fitnatul Hindustan.
“With resolve, unity, and strength, we will confront the scourge of terrorism and uproot it completely,” Prime Minister Shehbaz added.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the bus and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.
Read more: Indian Interference In Balochistan, Proxies Involved In Terrorism: FO
