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 has devised five-year textile policy with facilities and incentives of around Rs950 billion including provision of electricity to the sector at 7.5 cents/kWh have been proposed under new five-year textile policy.
The draft of the upcoming textile policy reads that the government has set a target of $20.8 billion for textile exports by 2025.
The policy also recommended provision of RLNG at $6.5 per mmBtu; and domestic gas at Rs786 per mmBtu.
The impact of electricity at cents 7.5/kWh is estimated to be Rs250 billion; RLNG — Rs111 billion and DLTL for textiles and apparel products — Rs400 billion.
Other incentives in the proposed policy include unchanged Long-Term Financing Facility (LTFF) and Export Financing Scheme (EFS) rates; review of LTFF and refinance scheme for SMEs and indirect exporters; and launch of Brand Development Fund.
The proposed policy has been formulated to reduce the input cost of the textile and clothing sector and to make it competitive with regional players, sources said.
In addition, mass level training programmes would be launched, especially on industrial stitching, whereas textile marketing strategy would be reviewed.
As per the draft textile policy, the government would offer incentives for international buying offices opening their offices in the country.
