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.Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar vowed that the government would leave no stone unturned in safeguarding its citizens, pledging to wipe out terrorism and dismantle every hideout and network behind it. In a post on X, he reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of Pakistan’s people remains the nation’s highest priority.
“We will continue to take all steps needed to protect our citizens from terrorism,” he said. “The government will use every available resource to eliminate terrorists, their shelters, and their supporters.”
Tarar said the Taliban regime lives off a war economy and has no sense of responsibility towards the Afghan people. He added that Pakistan has always worked and sacrificed for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has held many rounds of talks with the Afghan Taliban regime, but they have shown little concern for Pakistan’s losses. After four years of suffering heavy human and material losses, Tarar said, Pakistan’s patience has run out.
He explained that Pakistan engaged with the Afghan Taliban at the request of Qatar and Türkiye to give peace another chance.
Meetings were held in Doha and later in Istanbul on one main issue: asking the Taliban regime to stop the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups as a base for training, logistics, and attacks in Pakistan.
Tarar thanked Qatar and Türkiye for hosting the talks and for trying to convince the Afghan Taliban to end their support of terror proxies against Pakistan.
He said that since the Taliban took control of Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border terrorism. These attacks involve Indian-backed groups, including Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).
Tarar said Pakistan has urged the Taliban to honour their written commitments under the Doha Agreement, both to Pakistan and to the international community. But, he added, these efforts have brought no results. Continued support for anti-Pakistan groups has made Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts ineffective.
“During four days of dialogue, the Afghan Taliban delegation admitted that Pakistan’s demand for firm action against terrorists is legitimate,” Tarar said. “Pakistan presented solid and undeniable evidence, which was acknowledged by both the Taliban and the host countries.”
However, Tarar said the Afghan side gave no firm assurances. Instead of focusing on the main issue, they avoided responsibility and shifted blame. “As a result,” he said, “the talks failed to produce any workable outcome.”
Tarar thanked international partners for their support. “We are grateful to the governments of Qatar and Türkiye, and other friendly nations, for their sincere and constructive efforts toward peace,” he said.
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