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 Czech woman climber has gone missing after a fall during her attempt to summit Nanga Parbat, a Pakistani mountaineering club revealed.
Klara Kolouchova, 46, reportedly fell from a height between Camp I and Camp II of Nanga Parbat on Thursday, according to Karrar Haidri, secretary-general of the Alpine Club of Pakistan that organizes various expeditions.
“Authorities and rescue teams were immediately alerted and dispatched,” Haidri told Arab News. “Recovery efforts are underway to locate and retrieve her body from the fall site.”
Klara, an accomplished mountaineer, was globally recognized as the first Czech woman to summit both Mount Everest and K2. She had arrived in Pakistan on June 15, accompanied by her husband and five team members.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the mountaineering community during this difficult time,” Haidri said.
Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world at 8,126 meters, is infamous for its difficult terrain and high fatality rate, which has earned it the nickname “Killer Mountain.”
Over 100 climbers and porters have died on its slopes, with the Rupal face considered particularly unforgiving due to avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather.
Earlier this week, three European climbers achieved a rare feat on one of the world’s most dangerous peaks by scaling Nanga Parbat from the treacherous Rupal face in alpine style, with one of them paragliding down from near the summit in a daring solo descent.
Unlike traditional expedition climbing, alpine style involves climbing in a single push without establishing fixed ropes or pre-stocked camps, requiring climbers to carry all their gear. The approach demands speed, efficiency and a high degree of skill, especially at high altitude.
German climber David Göttler was joined by French mountaineers Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein for the climb via the Schell route, a steep and rarely successful line up the mountain’s massive southern wall. The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world’s highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding.
“Sometimes you need to be patient … It’s taken five attempts, but now that I’ve achieved it, I know it’s all been worthwhile,” Göttler wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, describing his 12-year pursuit of the route.
He said summiting with his teammates in alpine style was “incredible,” adding that being able to fly down from around 7,700 meters to base camp on the same day took his joy “to the next level.”
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