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.SHIKARPUR: Four people were killed, two others including a woman injured in an armed clash between two groups of Mehr tribe over the cutting of a tree on Monday in Amil Mehr village, on the outskirts of Shikarpur, Police said
According to police, four people were killed, while two others, including a woman, were also injured in the incident.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospital for treatment. Upon receiving information, a heavy contingent of the police reached the site. However, no arrests could be made till last reports came in.
Separately, on Monday, a dacoit was killed, while his accomplice was injured during a police encounter on Jhagan Link Road in the juristiction of New Faujdari police station in Shikarpur.
The police said As per police report, dacoits opened fire at the police party patrolling the area. Police returned the fire due to which one dacoit was killed while another was injured, police said, adding that the injured dacoit managed to flee from the spot along with his accomplices.
The slain dacoit, who was identified as Khan Muhammad alias Khanu Sandrani, was wanted by the police in connection with murder, attempt to murder and other crimes.Police has launched further investigation into the incident.
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