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.SEHWAN: Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that holding early Senate election is not in the hands of the government. Conducting Senate elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan, not the Prime Minister.
Talking to media, Akhtar Mengal said that General Secretary of Functional League Muhammad Ali Durrani was sent by the government to meet Mian Shehbaz Sharif and it is the will of the government to allow prisoners to meet someone or not.
Continuing, he said that there were no rifts in the ranks of the PDM and there were no differences. Maulana Fazlur Rehman will not attend tomorrow s meeting due to his busy schedule.
The BNP chief further said that the way the PDM is making decisions means we are succeeding. I think the future of the government is dark. The PDM leadership will work together on Senate elections, he added.
He said that members of the Provincial and National Assemblies of all PDM parties have submitted their resignations to their respective parties.
Akhtar Mengal said that after the resignations, the PDM leadership will decide when those resignations should be submitted to the assemblies.
He said the government has been using tactics since day one to end the movement. Holding early Senate elections is not in the hands of the government. Senate elections are to be held by the Election Commission and not by the Prime Minister.
Akhtar Mengal said that the rulers and their allies will continue to play. Senate elections will be held on time. He said that inflation in the country has made the lives of the poor miserable.
