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 Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that refunds amounting to Rs3.45 billion will be processed for 67,377 Hajj pilgrims, with payments to be credited directly to their bank accounts by October 31, 2025. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and fairness in the Hajj process.
According to the ministry, refunds will be issued based on pilgrims’ actual expenditures. About 14 percent of pilgrims will receive between Rs12,000 and Rs12,286, while 16 percent will get refunds ranging from Rs13,000 to Rs25,000. Additionally, 20,302 pilgrims are set to receive Rs75,000 each, and 408 pilgrims will be refunded Rs110,000.
Officials clarified that individuals not eligible for refunds had already availed services corresponding to their full payments.
The ministry also confirmed that all pilgrims will receive a trolley bag, handbag, and scarves for women, along with a Saudi mobile SIM card providing internet access and 3.5 minutes of free calls.
For the upcoming pilgrimage, the 40-day Hajj package has been set at Rs1,150,000, while the shorter-duration package will cost Rs1,200,000. Bookings under the government scheme have been finalized, and those under the private quota are nearing completion.
Addressing health and safety concerns, Dr. Attaur Rehman, Secretary of Hajj, stated that strict measures have been implemented to address complaints from pilgrims. A new policy also bars individuals suffering from serious illnesses—including final-stage cancer, tuberculosis, and women in the last months of pregnancy—from performing Hajj this year.
