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.LAHORE, Dec 26 (INP): Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has summoned reports from all four provinces about use of drugs in educational institutions on Wednesday.
A bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Nisar heard case on use of drugs in schools and colleges across the country.
The chief justice remarked that at least three deaths have been reported due to the use of drugs by students in academic institutions. Several children were using drugs the top judge said and ordered for launching an awareness campaign against the use of drugs.
“Who is supplying drugs to these children,” the chief justice asked.
The bench asked about compliance report of a court order to the government for establishment of a body over the matter.
The CJP said that the issue is related to the entire country and ordered the provincial government to submit their reports over the matter.
The apex court in a hearing on November 30, directed centre and provinces to submit monthly progress report against the usage of narcotics in educational institutions.
A three-member bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case pertaining to drug peddling in educational institutions, had ordered the provinces to submit monthly report on drugs in academies.
During the proceeding, CJP had Saqib Nisar asked that who is responsible to curb the drug peddling and maintained that drugs are easily available in the educational institutions.
The state minister for interior Shaharyar Afridi had claimed at the launch of an initiative for child rights training for the police in Islamabad said that a survey had indicated that 75pc of female students and 45pc male students of the capital’s elite schools use drugs such as crystal meth.
