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.PESHAWAR: The local government on Tuesday has decided to put different areas in Peshawar on smart lockdown from today (Tuesday) after surge in coronavirus cases.
According to details, the areas Park Road, Old Jamrud Road, Circular Lane, Industrial Estate, Polyfine Road, Cantt Area, Gulberg and Qayyum Sports Complex and others will be sealed at 6:00pm from today.
The decision came as Pakistan reported 67 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 400,482. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 8,091.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 2,458 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic in terms of cases followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Punjab has overtaken Sindh in most number of casualties.
Till now 174,350 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 119,578 in Punjab, 47,370 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 17,187 in Balochistan, 30,406 in Islamabad, 6,933 in Azad Kashmir and 4,658 in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Furthermore 3,036 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab 2,935 in Sindh, 1,369 in KP, 167 in Balochistan, 318 in Islamabad, 169 in Azad Kashmir and 97 in GB.
Pakistan has so far conducted 5,549,779 coronavirus tests and 40,969 in the last 24 hours. 343,286 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas 2,165 patients are in critical condition.
