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.WANA: A late-night militant attack was thwarted in South Waziristan‘s remote area of Tordeev, located in the Tehsil of Toi Khullah, when local residents and a police official responded promptly to an attempted assault on the official’s home by armed extremists affiliated with a proscribed organization.
According to credible sources, the militants tried to storm the residence of a police personnel during the night, but swift retaliatory action by the official and nearby villagers led to a fierce gunfight. The exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of three militants on the spot.
Initial reports suggest that the deceased attackers belonged to the Dotani tribe. Their bodies were taken into custody by local residents following the failed assault.
Security forces later reached the site and conducted a search operation in the area to ensure no further threats remained. The situation has since returned to normal, though tension persists in the region.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist elements in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the southern tribal belt, where residents and law enforcement continue to resist terrorism despite limited resources and increasing challenges.
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