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: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi presides over a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) to review the proposed draft of JC rules for the appointment of judges.
In addition, the meeting will also discuss extension in the tenure of the constitutional bench formed by the JC after the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
It may be recalled that the constitutional bench is mandated to hear constitutional cases till Jan 4, 2025.
Meanwhile, senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah has written a nine-page letter to the JC secretary demanding mechanism and criteria for the nomination and determination of the number of judges for the constitutional benches of the Supreme Court and the high courts.
“The commission has already nominated and determined a number of judges of the Supreme Court and the Sind High Court for Constitutional Benches in the absence of any mechanism or criteria in place.
“Therefore, there has been no logic or reason backing the nomination and determination of the number of judges for the Constitutional Benches of the Supreme Court and Sind High Court,” says the letter.
“The extension of the existing Constitutional Benches of the Supreme Court of Pakistan is coming up tomorrow [today]. Hence it is imperative and obligatory on the Commission to formulate a mechanism and criteria for the nomination and determination of the judges for the Constitutional Benches in the general interest of the public,” says the letter of Justice Shah.
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