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.KARACHI: Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh has revealed on Wednesday that the water level at Guddu Barrage has started to recede, while Sukkur Barrage is currently experiencing its peak flow.
Talking to media persons in Karachi, he noted that Sukkur Barrage has reached peak levels and expressed hope that the situation would ease by the end of the day.
He added that the peak at Guddu has already passed, with floodwaters now moving downstream toward Kotri, where authorities are on high alert to ensure a smooth flow.
According to the CM, Kotri Barrage is likely to hit its peak within the next 7 to 10 days.
Floodwaters have inundated riverine (katcha) areas in Kashmore and Shikarpur, while also breaching protective embankments in Khairpur. Cotton and other crops in the riverine belt have been submerged.
In Sukkur, the famous Sadhu Bela temple, located in the middle of the Indus River, has been closed to visitors after its steps and boating platform were submerged.
In Larkana, rising waters at the Moria Loop Bund have flooded additional villages, bringing the total number of affected settlements to 30.
Local residents have largely refused to relocate despite the worsening conditions.
Meanwhile, malaria and skin infections are spreading among displaced families in the katcha areas near the Sehwan protective embankment.
At least 181,159 people have been affected by recent floods in Sindh till now, according to the Sindh PDMA.
The government has established 528 relief camps, 184 medical camps.
Meanwhile, 471,392 animals have been evacuated from riverine areas so far.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the major rivers in Punjab are flowing at normal levels, with only a few areas experiencing minor to moderate flooding.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the Indus, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers are maintaining normal flow, while the Chenab River is also steady at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, and Trimmu.
At Panjnad, a low-level flood has been recorded, with water discharge dropping to 194,000 cusecs. The Sutlej River is experiencing a medium-level flood at Ganda Singh Wala, and low-level flooding has been observed at Sulemanki and Islam headworks.
Read more: Punjab Floods Destroy 2.2m Acres Of Crops, Rice Hit Hardest
