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: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the world witnessed the genocide of Palestinians, and the ceasefire in Gaza is a welcome development.
Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, Bilawal said the truce agreement in Gaza is commendable, but fears remain that it might once again be short-lived or deceptive. “Doctors and journalists in Gaza were deliberately targeted. The world has seen the brutal reality,” he added.
Bilawal highlighted that during his tenure as Foreign Minister, he raised Pakistan’s stance on Palestine in meetings with his international counterparts.
Turning to domestic affairs, he said that the Sindh government initiated the Economic Zone during Qaim Ali Shah’s tenure, which has gained international recognition. “This is not a competition with other provinces – it is a Sindh government achievement acknowledged globally,” he stated.
He further noted the praise Sindh received for its public-private partnership projects and stressed the importance of unity over internal division, saying, “We must focus on competing globally, not internally.”
Also read: PM Shehbaz meets Trump and world leaders at Gaza peace summit in EgyptOn healthcare, Bilawal said that cancer treatment – often unaffordable globally – is provided free of charge in Karachi, calling it a significant success for Pakistan.
He also highlighted the effectiveness of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), noting that foreign ministers abroad often express admiration for the initiative and even replicate it. “Even the PTI founder used BISP during COVID-19 relief efforts, merely changing the program’s name,” Bilawal claimed. He added that former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also utilized BISP for aid distribution.
Regarding climate change and disaster response, Bilawal stated that 2 million homes were damaged in Sindh during the 2022 floods, caused by a crisis not of Pakistan’s making. “We invited the UN Secretary-General to witness the devastation. PPP ensured that homeless people were given land ownership,” he concluded.
Also read: CM Sindh launches week-long anti-Polio campaign
