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): Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday launched anti-polio campaign across the province by administering drops to two newborns at KMC Gizri Maternity Home.
The week-long campaign, running from October 13 to 19, aims to vaccinate over 10.6 million children under five across Sindh.Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary school Education Zahid Abbasi, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, senior health and education officials, EOC Coordinator Irshad Sodhar, and representatives from UNICEF, WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rotary others were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised the importance of full monitoring in all districts and announced that vaccination teams would visit households to administer anti-polio drops and provide Vitamin A supplements.
He noted that 80,000 health workers and 21,000 security personnel are participating in the campaign.Expressing deep sconcern over the reporting of nine new polio cases in Sindh this year, as well as the continued presence of the virus in environmental samples.
MR. Shah said, “Polio elimination is our moral responsibility. Every child deserves a healthy and safe future”, urging parents to ensure their children receive the drops and to contact the nearest health centre if any child is missed.
Also read:5 Women Injured as House Roof Collapses in Faisalabad
