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: A renowned pop-sensation and philanthropist Hadiqa Kiani has appealed to communities living along the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab river belts to prioritize safety and evacuate immediately as the country grapples with catastrophic flooding.
Taking to Instagram, Kiani shared a heartfelt video message in which she asked people in vulnerable settlements not to take the situation lightly.
“As you know, Pakistan is going through a difficult time, floods are ravaging the country, KPK, Sindh and Punjab are on high alert. Settlements near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab are most vulnerable. It’s constantly raining, and water levels are constantly rising,“ she said.
“My request for the people living in these settlements is that they take these alerts seriously and try to move from there. Take your valuables and try to find shelter elsewhere so your life, and the lives of your loved ones, aren’t at stake,” added Kiani.
Her message comes as the government issues urgent evacuation orders, calling on citizens near the three rivers to relocate to safer areas “in view of the unprecedented flood situation”. Relief efforts are being ramped up with the army deployed in eight districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Narowal and Faisalabad, as thousands scramble to escape the rising waters.
Large parts of Punjab have been submerged, with floodwaters displacing hundreds of thousands of people, sweeping away livestock and devastating agricultural land. Officials say the crisis has been worsened by torrential rains and excess water released from Indian dams flowing into Pakistan’s river system.
So far, over 150,000 people and 35,000 livestock have been moved to safe zones, with rescue teams operating around the clock. According to UN-OCHA, this year’s monsoon death toll in Pakistan is already nearly three times higher than the same period last year.
Kiani has often used her platform to raise awareness during natural disasters and humanitarian crises. In 2022, her Vaseela campaign stepped up to help people affected by the Balochistan floods. That year, the floods inundated several villages and claimed approximately 225 lives and damaged over 26,000 homes, according to PDMA Balochistan.
In case you wish to play your part, we made a list of organisations working towards flood relief in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that will most likely be collecting donations for Punjab too.
Read more: Ravi Surges To 220,000 Cusecs Level At Shahdara, High Alert Issued
