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.BEIJING: China will lift all rural residents living below the current poverty line out of poverty within this year, thereby meeting the target of eradicating extreme poverty set out in Agenda 2030 ten years ahead of schedule.
To this effect, China making historic contributions to poverty elimination and peaceful development across the world, this was announced here by a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian at a news conference.
He added: “This year is the concluding year for the completion of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and to end extreme poverty in China.
Elimination of poverty in all its forms, including extreme poverty, is the biggest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.
China has been sharing experience on poverty eradication with the world and contributing to global endeavor in this regard.
Over the past 40 years or so after China’s reform and opening up began, according to World Bank statistics, 800 million Chinese were lifted out of poverty.
China’s visions on poverty alleviation, including “targeted poverty reduction” and “tailoring policies to local conditions”, are drawing more and more attention from the international community.
China has recently put together a selection of poverty reduction cases in the form of a book titled Eradication of Poverty: China’s Practices to share our experience and practice.
China is taking concrete actions to support poverty eradication worldwide. While making efforts in our own country, we have also been helping developing countries to the best of our ability.
China has been creating more synergies between the BRI cooperation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to a World Bank report, BRI projects could help lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty.
Through bilateral and multilateral channels, we are helping developing countries with their capacity building, which also contributes to poverty eradication cooperation worldwide.
“The world will be a better place only when everyone is better off.” China will continue contributing our strength to international cooperation on poverty alleviation.”
With input from INP
