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: February 1, 2019: Minister for Inter-Provincial Co-ordination Dr. Fehmida Mirza called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qasiar at Speaker’s House on Friday. The matters pertaining to coordination between Federation and Provinces as well as overall economic and political situation of the country were discussed during the meeting.
The Speaker said that close coordination and harmony among Federation and Provinces is imperative for development of the country. He urged upon the Federation to play its due role for elimination of sense of deprivation in small provinces and further mentioned that resolving problems of the small provinces should be priority of the Federation. He further said that the small provinces can play a proactive role in development and progress of the country when this sense of deprivation is lessened.
Asad Qasiar stressed the need for resolving the health issues, spreading education for all, enhancing sports opportunities for youth and promoting tourism in the country. He said that national integration and consensus was essential to counter the challenges of terrorism, unemployment, illiteracy, scarcity of water and corruption being faced by the country at present. He said that the leaders of all political parties need to play their due role for peaceful environment in the House so that effective legislation can be enacted.
Minister for Inter-Provincial Co-ordination Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that elimination of sense of deprivation of the small provinces is her priority and in this regard she is in contact with provincial governments. She said the incumbent government is trying to bring positive changes in health, education, tourism, and sports sectors. She further assured the Speaker for cooperation to keep the environment peaceful in the House.
