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: A court in Islamabad on Sunday approved Senator Azam Swati’s two-day physical remand after he was presented before the magistrate following his arrest Sunday morning for his controversial tweets against senior military officers.
Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja announced the verdict he had reserved after hearing arguments from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Swati’s lawyers. The FIA had requested Swati’s physical remand for eight days but only two days were granted.
During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that the senator was arrested as there were some controversial tweets done by him. He added that the FIA seeks to recover the senator’s Twitter account, mobile and other things. “Azam Swati is admitting that he did the tweet,” he added.
The senator also told the court that the statement that was given was in front of everyone.
However, Swati’s counsel Babar Awan contended that the tweets that were done do not meet the sections mentioned in the first information report.
After hearing the arguments the magistrate reserved the verdict in the case.
The PTI leader was arrested once again for speaking against senior military officers early Sunday morning from his farmhouse located in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad.
FIA’s Cybercrime Wing arrested Swati for using foul language for the army chief and other senior military officers.
The case against the senator has been registered on FIA’s Technical Assistant Anis ur Rehman’s complaint. The case has been registered for libel and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
The senator has been arrested under Sections 500, 501, 505 and 109. He was also arrested under the same provisions the last month.
The FIA, in a letter, informed Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani of Swati’s arrest. The FIR registered against the senator has also been added to the letter.
“After due process and permission from the authorities, Azam Swati was arrested,” FIA says in the letter.
Read more: PTI Senator Azam Swati arrested second time over controversial tweets
