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: Educational institutions across various districts of Punjab, including the federal capital Islamabad, will remain closed on December 16.
According to details, the Islamabad district magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon announced the closure of educational institutions in the capital without specifying any particular reason. According to the notification, all schools and colleges in Islamabad will be closed on December 16.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also issued a similar notification, confirming that all public and private educational institutions in the district will remain closed.
The notification further stated that exams scheduled for December 16 have been postponed, though no specific reason was provided. However, when contacted, Rawalpindi district administration officials stated that the closure is due to the prevailing law and order situation.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza confirmed the closure of both public and private schools and colleges across the city. He clarified that all universities will remain open.
“The holiday is being observed to pay tribute to the martyrs of the APS Peshawar tragedy and the fall of Dhaka. The sacrifices of APS martyrs will never be forgotten,” he said in a statement. “The tragedy of December 16, 2014, has left an indelible scar, and the loss of innocent children united the nation in strength,” he added.
The Sialkot district administration also announced the closure of schools and colleges on December 16. A notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Sialkot confirmed the holiday, stating that it was to honour the martyrs of the APS tragedy.
Read more: Pakistan Welcomes UNGA Resolution for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
