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, 18 Feb (TNT News): United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Commonwealth and United Nations Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on Monday called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad.
Matters of mutual interest, trade ties, investment, education and other matters were came under discussion in the meeting.
FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored the need to increase cooperation in diverse fields. He lauded the contribution made by the Pakistani Diaspora in the UK, especially in deepening people-to-people contacts.
The foreign minister apprise the UK minister about the immense potential and opportunities for tourism in Pakistan and steps taken by the current government to promote this sector.
He also briefed Lord Ahmad on the human right violation and Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir.
While Lord Ahmad appreciated the PTI-led government’s reforms in socio-economic sectors and recognized the improved law and order situation in the Pakistan.
He expressed keen interest to work closely with the Pakistani government and the Pakistani diaspora in UK to further deepen bilateral ties.
The UK minister discussed the prospects of post-Brexit trade and assured his government’s continued support in this regard.
Earlier, terming the country’s overall security situation “peaceful”, British Airways on December 18, had announced to resume its flight operations in Pakistan.
Addressing media alongside Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Bukhari, the airline’s Head of Asia-Pacific Sales, Robert Williams had announced that the airline which halted its flight operations in Pakistan in the year 2018, wasa returning to the country.
