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.KARACHI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued new SOPs for people travelling to Pakistan from category-C countries.
The countries under this category are: South Africa, United Kingdom, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands.
A notification issued on January 29 said that passengers from these countries will have to get a coronavirus PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding the plane. The negative report has to be shown at the airport as well.
Apart from this, only these people will be allowed to enter the country
Pakistani passport holders carrying a visa of the country they’re travelling from. Pakistani NICOP holders, Pakistani origin cardholders, Diplomatic passport holders of Category C countries and their families.
These instructions also apply to people who have stayed in Category C countries for 10 or more days prior to travel to Pakistan.
The notification will come in effect from February 1 and will remain so till February 28.
The CAA has three categories for its international travellers. Passengers from the countries placed in category-A don’t require a COVID-19 PCR test before entry. The travelers from category-B countries are required to take the COVID-19 test 72 hours before arriving in Pakistan.
The restrictions on category-C countries were placed after the number of cases increased during the second wave.
Read more:Coronavirus Second Wave; Pakistan reports 65 new deaths and 2,179 people tested positive
