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.RAWALPINDI: Former accountability judge Arshad Malik, who convicted erstwhile prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia reference, has died of coronavirus on Friday in Rawalpindi. He was on ventilator for one week.
The deceased’s funeral prayers will be offered in Mandra – a town of Tehsil Gujar Khan. Arshad Malik has left two sons and as many daughters behind in the bereaved family.
Let it be known that the Lahore High Court (LHC) had sacked Arshad Malik after an inquiry into his leaked video concluded. The LHC chief justice, while issuing the notification of his dismissal, had said that Arshad Malik was found guilty in the video scandal inquiry.
The notification clarified that Arshad Malik was given full opportunity to clear his name, and his position was also heard during the inquiry. But, legal action had been taken against the ousted Judge on charges of misconduct.
Arshad Malik challenged the termination and maintained in his plea that the rules and regulations were not followed. Subsequently, a three member tribunal under the chairmanship of Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi was constituted.
Last year in July, PML-N Vice-president Maryam Nawaz had unveiled a video clip whereby ex-accountability judge Arshad Malik could be heard saying that there was “no proof of corruption against the deposed premier” in the December 24 Al-Azizia reference.
She said the judge had contacted Nasir Butt and told him that he was feeling guilty and having nightmares ever since he announced the verdict that led to Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment.
The PML-N leader claimed that the accountability judge was coerced into delivering the Al-Azizia verdict against him [Nawaz]. She further demanded acquittal of Nawaz Sharif on the basis of evidences shown in video, adding that she respects every institution of Pakistan.
Responding to the video, Arshad Malik rejected all the allegations leveled by Maryam Nawaz and termed the leaked video as fake, fabricated and out of context. He revealed that PML-N leaders offered him bribe when he was hearing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references against Sharif family.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had initially suspended Arshad Malik and ordered him to report to the LHC for further proceedings.
The notification stated, “The Chief Justice of this Court has been pleased to order to place the said judicial officer under suspension and repatriate to his parent department i.e. Lahore High Court, with immediate effect, for disciplinary proceedings to be conducted in accordance with law.”
