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: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has revealed on Saturday the negotiations were initiated in good faith, but the government failed to show any seriousness regarding the formation of a commission to investigate the events of May 9 and Nov 26.
“We didn’t engage in talks just for pleasantries or photo sessions,” he remarked.
He highlighted that a case concerning a protest outside the Supreme Court was going on, with terrorism clauses added to the FIR.
He said several lawyers were implicated in the case who were now presenting themselves in court. He said the judge hinted at dissolution of the case in the next hearing.
He emphasised that the PTI engaged in the dialogue process despite reservations and injustices faced by the party, including convictions against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
According to Gohar, the PTI presented two demands during negotiations but received no response from the government within the agreed seven-day period.
The commission’s terms of reference, timeline, and composition were supposed to be finalised, but the government’s inaction proved its lack of seriousness, Gohar claimed.
“Given this lack of commitment, there is no point in continuing discussions merely for formalities. Therefore, Imran Khan has decided to end the negotiations,” Gohar stated.
He reiterated that the PTI remained open to dialogue with all political parties and sought to move forward constructively. However, the government’s attitude had forced them to halt further negotiations.
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