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: Taking serious note of the critical issue of malnutrition and stunted growth among children, Council of Common Interests (CCI) unanimously agreed upon launching of a development project “Tackling Malnutrition Induced Stunting in Pakistan” with a total cost of approximately Rs. 350 billion and duration of 5 years (FY 2020-25).
43rd meeting of CCI held here Wednesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair. Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were present.
The Council agreed that 50 % cost i.e. Approx. Rs. 175 billion will be provided by Federal Government and equal distribution to be made by Provincial Governments for 5 years. This project will target 30% of the total population of country with 15 million women of reproductive age group and 3.9 million children under the age of 2 years through nutrition interventions.
The CCI also agreed that the Federal Government will provide for nutrition supplementary commodities, capacity building of new & existing healthcare workers, research & monitoring while as provinces will contribute towards implementation through involvement of existing LHWs, Community Health Workers, target population identification, program management, institutional arrangement, evaluation and data sharing.
The CCI considered request of Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for one-time permission to swap / substitute arrangement of one exploration block with another prospective block within the province.
The CCI accorded one-time approval for the swap with the condition that commitments accruing out of previous award of block should be completed and Petroleum Division should incorporate a time limit for such swap so that future requests are catered for. The CCI also reviewed implementation status of previous decisions.
Keeping in view the importance of developing a consensus on energy issues of the country, it was decided that next meeting of the CCI be called in first month of next year to finalize issues related to costs of electricity, gas & fuel; and to resolve water related issues.
