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: Over 50 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the Pakistan over the past three days, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of more widespread heavy rains and potential flooding in several regions till July 5.
The fatalities — reported from various parts of the country — were caused by roof collapses, electrocution, and flash floods, as pre-monsoon downpours continue to lash urban and rural areas alike.
In its latest advisory, the Met Office said a strong monsoon system is likely to affect most parts of the country starting Sunday, triggering heavy rainfall in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, and the Potohar region.
The department warned of urban flooding in major cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad, while low-lying areas in districts like Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum could experience inundation due to excessive rain.
Upper KP regions such as Hazara, Malakand, Charsadda and Nowshera have also been put on high alert for possible river flooding and landslides.
In response to the developing situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to expedite precautionary measures and ensure preparedness to deal with emergencies.
Local administrations have begun evacuations in vulnerable areas and are coordinating with relief agencies for rescue operations.
Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. It faces increasing instances of extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts and unpredictable monsoons.
Experts link the country’s growing climate volatility to global warming, noting that erratic weather patterns have become more frequent and severe. The devastating floods of 2022, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers, killed over 1,700 people and caused damage estimated at over $33 billion.
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