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.HANGU: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has killed at least four suspected terrorists in an operation in Hangu district, a spokesman said on Tuesday.
The dead militants were members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The operation was carried out in the Jahazo Maidan area in Thall tehsil of Hangu.
Security officials had received reports of the presence of terrorists in the area, and an intelligence-based operation was launched, according to the spokesman.
The suspected terrorists opened fire as the police approached their hideout, the spokesman said.
The security personnel returned the fire killing four suspected terrorists, whose identities were later ascertained as Mustafa Khan, Ahmed Rahim, Sameem Saeed, and Mustafa Khan.
The dead terrorists belonged to the Ameer Hatim Group of the banned TTP. They were wanted
for several acts of terrorism, targeted killing, and extortion.
The bodies of the terrorists were shifted to Thall Hospital for necessary operations. Afterwards, the bodies were handed over to the next of kin.
Security forces were still conducting a search operation in the area.
Two of the dead terrorists were involved in targetting and killing several policemen protecting polio vaccination teams.
The CTD has recovered four SMGs, 16 chargers, and ammunition from the hideout.
Hangu and other KP districts have seen an uptick in militant attacks since the Afghan Taliban takeover of Kabul in August.
In October, a soldier was martyred in a terrorist attack on a military post in Thall.
Also in October, security forces killed a terrorist during an operation in North Waziristan.
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