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aimed at building a healthier, tobacco-free society.ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday withdrawn the delimitation schedule for Punjab’s local body elections.According to an official statement, the decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
The Secretary of the Election Commission briefed the meeting that the Punjab Assembly had passed the Local Government Act 2025, which has also been approved by the Governor of Punjab. With the enactment of the new law, the Local Government Act 2022 stands repealed, prompting the commission to withdraw the earlier notification issued for delimitation under the 2022 framework.
Earlier schedule for Dec 2025 elections It may be recalled that on October 8, the Election Commission had announced that local body elections in Punjab would be held in December 2025 under the Local Government Act 2022.
The decision was made by a five-member bench of the ECP headed by CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja, directing that the delimitation of constituencies be completed within two months to pave the way for polls. At that time, the ECP had confirmed that the elections would follow the Local Government Act 2022, ensuring compliance with the prevailing legal framework governing local administration in Punjab.
During earlier proceedings, CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja had voiced concern over delays in holding elections, saying, “It is a matter of embarrassment for us that elections are not being held in Islamabad and Punjab.” The ECP had faced mounting pressure from political parties, including the PPP, which had publicly demanded that local body elections in Punjab be held without further delay.
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