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: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a fresh advisory for residents of Islamabad following the onset of a new spell of monsoon rains in the twin cities.
Heavy downpours have been forecasted in the Margalla Hills, raising concerns of landslides and urban flash floods.
Residents of Saidpur Village and Sector E-11 have been particularly urged to remain vigilant due to their proximity to vulnerable areas.
The CDA has warned that water levels in the Swan River and the Korang Nullah may rise, posing a potential threat to nearby settlements.
Citizens living near streams and drainage channels have been advised to exercise caution during rainfall. Authorities have also appealed to the public not to dump waste in nullahs, as it may block the flow of water and increase the risk of flooding.
Rescue 1122, Metropolitan Police, CDA teams, and other departments are on high alert to respond to any emergencies. Emergency staff have been deployed in sensitive areas to ensure a timely response to possible flooding or landslides.
Residents have also been requested to immediately report any blockages or dangerous situations caused by rainfall to the relevant authorities.
Rainfall, which began intermittently on Saturday night, intensified on Sunday morning, causing water accumulation on major roads in the capital. The downpour created difficulties for commuters, particularly school children and office-goers. Authorities have been working to clear blocked roads and ensure smooth traffic flow, but low-lying areas remain vulnerable to waterlogging.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected over the next 24 hours in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and parts of Balochistan. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, Kashmir, and northern Punjab, raising the possibility of localized flooding and landslides.
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