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: The movements have always thrived on the blood and sweat of those who remain dedicated to their ideals. However, in the case of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), loyalty was met with betrayal. Those who had dedicated their time and efforts to promoting the party’s narrative were either ignored or sidelined.
Sher Afzal Marwat, a well-known ideological worker of PTI, was one of those who sacrificed greatly for the party.
He often stated, “I will never take a fee to fight Imran Khan’s case, for his sight is enough payment for me.” Yet, he too found himself pushed to the margins.
This pattern of behavior was also reflected in the treatment of Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. Her presence was deemed contrary to Bushra Bibi’s agenda, leading to her exclusion from the party.
In a similar vein, PTI replaced Ali Amin Gandapur with Junaid Akbar as the party’s president in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Akbar had shown his allegiance to Imran Khan, even spending time in jail for his love and loyalty to the party.
It is widely believed that the PTI founder now wish to speak out, but many promises made to them remain unfulfilled. Imran Khan had once vowed, “Before taking a loan, I would rather commit suicide,” yet his government ended up borrowing more than any in Pakistan’s history. Imran Khan and his close associates have gained a reputation for their childish behaviour.
They have often mocked political leaders, including ridiculing Bilawal Bhutto’s accent.
Current PTI ministers have frequently belittled other politicians, using offensive labels to mock them.
This approach has had a detrimental effect on the movement, hollowing it from within.
When personal preferences and dislikes replace principles as the foundation of a movement, it no longer remains alive. Instead, it becomes a thing of the past.
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