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, 23 Feb (TNT News): Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday telephoned Foreign Minister of Nepal Pardeep Kumar Gyawali to discuss the security situation in region.
According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal, during the telephonic conversation FM Qureshi underscored the significance of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
He stressed that one of the founding ideologies behind SAARC was to bring regional countries together and the organization should play a role for peace and security in the region.
The SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical group of South Asian nations. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Time an again, Pakistan has urged all the member countries for a need to work together with cohesion to transform the lives of their peoples and alleviate poverty from the region.
However, India’s non-serious attitude often blocks the progress of SAARC as it frequently defies the spirit of the forum. Lately, India became a hurdle in the way of hosting SAARC summit at Pakistan by announcing that it will not partake in the conference if it is held in Islamabad.
