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: Coronavirus pandemic claimed 37 more lives during last 24 hours round the Pakistan in its second wave while 2,208 people were tested positive to COVID-19.
With 2,208 new infections were reported round the country which took the toll of overall cases to 363,380 while 37 new deaths reported in last 24 hours and nationwide tally of fatalities jumped to 7,230, on Wednesday.
According to the latest figures displayed on National Coronavirus Dashboard of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the center confirmed that 2,208 persons have been tested positive besides 37 deaths were also confirmed in 24 hours.
Like the previous wave of the Coronavirus Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic in terms of cases in second wave with 157,432 and followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
Till now 157,432 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 111,626 in Punjab, 42,815 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 24,871 in Islamabad, 16,529 in Balochistan, 5,640 in Azad Kashmir and 4,467 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Overall death toll reported in the country was 7,230, out of which 2,760 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Sindh, 2,509 in Punjab, 1,318 in KP, 156 in Balochistan, 263 in Islamabad, 93 in GB and 131 in Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan has so far conducted 5,018,483 coronavirus tests and 38,544 in last 24 hours. 325,788 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas 1,551 patients are in critical condition.
