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: The Sessions Court Islamabad has adjourned the bail hearings of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in six cases and his wife Bushra Bibi in one case.
The hearing took place at the Judicial Complex in Islamabad, presided over by Judge Afzal Majoka. Advocate Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry represented Imran Khan in court.
During the proceedings, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry informed the court that Imran Khan’s video appearance had not yet been arranged. The judge inquired whether jail authorities had responded regarding the video attendance, to which the court staff replied that no letter had been received from the jail administration.
The defence requested the court to set a fixed date for arguments and ensure the prosecution’s presence, suggesting any day during Ramazan. However, Judge Majoka stated that he would be in training during Ramazan and proposed scheduling the hearing after Eid.
Advocate Chaudhry requested not to set it in the first week after Eid, citing prior commitments.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the final arguments on Imran Khan’s six bail pleas and Bushra Bibi’s case, along with the matter of Khan’s video attendance, until April 15.
Read more: Suparco Forecasts Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr Dates
