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: New cloud system entering Pakistan will bring rain in different cities of Pakistan are expected rain starting from Sunday (today), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted.
The department predicted that a system of westerly winds will enter the northern regions of the country tomorrow, with the system persisting until March 16.
Chitral, Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are set to experience rain from March 9 through March 16.
On Monday, rain is expected to lash the federal capital, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Peshawar, Charsadda and Mardan, with most cities of Punjab likely receiving rain from March 12 to 16.
The national weather body has also predicted thunderstorms with rain in some parts of Balochistan on March 14 and 15. Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta may record some urban flooding due to the rains.
Meanwhile, upper regions of the country are anticipated to experience heavy snowfall, which could result in road blockages.
The department has warned of possible landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan due to heavy rains. The analysts have also advised fishermen, tourists and travellers to remain cautious and farmers have been advised to take necessary measures to protect crops from damage.
Read more: China Rolls Over $2bn Loan For Pakistan
