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: The federal government has hike the POL Prices and announced a raise in Petrol by Rs5.36 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has gone up by Rs11.37 per litre in the prices of petroleum products, effective from 16 July to 31 July 2025.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol has been raised by Rs5.36 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has gone up by Rs11.37 per litre.
Following the latest revision, the new price of petrol will be Rs272.15 per litre, whereas the price of diesel will stand at Rs284.35 per litre.
The updated rates will be applicable across the country for the remainder of the month.
The official notification confirmed that the revised prices come into effect from midnight and will remain valid until the end of July. The ministry cited routine adjustments based on international oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations.
Internationally, oil prices nudged higher on Monday, adding to gains of more than 2% from Friday, as investors eyed further U.S. sanctions on Russia that may affect global supplies, but a ramp-up in Saudi output and ongoing tariff uncertainty limited gains.
Brent crude futures rose 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $70.57 a barrel by 0651 GMT, extending a 2.51% gain on Friday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 20 cents, 0.3%, to $68.65, after settling 2.82% higher in the previous session.
Last week, Brent rose 3%, while WTI had a weekly gain of around 2.2%, after the International Energy Agency said the global oil market may be tighter than it appears, with demand supported by peak summer refinery runs to meet travel and power generation.
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