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.SUKKAR: A local court summoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the Greece boat tragedy case.
A hearing was held in the Sukkur sessions court on a petition filed to investigate the Greece boat tragedy.
The petitioner argued that due to government negligence, unemployed Pakistanis resorted to illegal means to go abroad, leading to the collapse of state authority and the loss of 75 Pakistani lives.
The petition requested that a case be registered at the Rohri police station against the responsible government officials for their negligence.
Subsequently, the court issued notices summoning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to appear on January 15.
The government confirmed the deaths of seven Pakistanis in the recent boat tragedy, while 35 others remain missing and are presumed dead. Meanwhile, at least 47 Pakistanis survived the incident.
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