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.FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN — A team of Pakistani archaeologists and historians has embarked on a groundbreaking exploration in the Faisalabad district, uncovering potential links to the ancient Harappan Civilization, one of the oldest urban cultures of the Indus Valley, dating back over 4,000 years.
The initiative, spearheaded by Professor Dr. Rizwan Kokab, Chairman of the Department of History at Government College University (GCU) Faisalabad, in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner of Faisalabad, brought together an expert delegation for a three-day archaeological assessment of the region. The team included archaeologist Waqar Mushtaq, anthropologist Dr. Moazzam Durrani from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), and Aimal Khan, a specialist from the Taxila Museum.
The exploration marks a significant effort to trace the reach of the Indus Valley Civilization—more commonly known as Harappa—in the modern-day Punjab province. Historically referred to as Lyallpur, Faisalabad has long been considered a potential site of cultural intersections due to its proximity to established Indus-era settlements.
During the initial phase of the investigation, the team conducted a systematic survey of eight ancient mounds scattered across the district. According to preliminary findings, these sites yielded diagnostic pottery and material culture strongly associated with Harappan craftsmanship and urban life.
The findings were cross-referenced with historic Survey of India maps, satellite imagery, and the 1992 Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) report, all of which confirmed the archaeological significance of the surveyed locations.
This expedition builds on ongoing efforts by the IUB’s archaeology unit, which has been conducting detailed documentation of sites in the Cholistan Desert for the past three years. The IUB team has worked in collaboration with Malaysia’s MAHSA University, enhancing the technical rigor and international scope of its research.
To complement the fieldwork, an interactive seminar was hosted at GCU Faisalabad’s Department of History, engaging MPhil and PhD students in dialogue around the findings. Scholars discussed the broader implications of linking ancient Lyallpur with the Harappan Civilization, and emphasized the importance of integrating archaeology with historical studies for a deeper understanding of South Asia’s heritage.
The discoveries have reignited interest in Faisalabad’s pre-Islamic past and may reshape how the city’s early history is understood. Scholars hope these preliminary findings will pave the way for further excavations and formal recognition of the region as a site of historical significance tied to one of the world’s oldest urban civilizations.
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