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: Federal Government decided to submit an application to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, through Ministry of National Health Services to ensure the availability of coronavirus vaccine in Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said the government will apply to COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, that GAVI is co-leading.
The COVAX facility is a global collaboration to speed up the development, production and access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.
GAVI started accepting applications for the availability of vaccines on November 17.
The health ministry said the recommendations of the Special Working Group on improving immunity of citizens have also been approved. They were approved in a meeting of the coordination committee chaired by PM’s aide on health Dr Faisal Sultan.
Dr Sultan said the government is making efforts to ensure safe and effective vaccines as soon as possible and protection of healthcare workers fighting on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
Pakistan has so far recorded 410,072 COVID-19 cases and 8,260 deaths. On Friday 3,262 new cases were reported and 55 new deaths.
The number of people who have recovered from the virus has reached 350,305.
