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.KARACHI: Actor Imran Abbas, one of the country’s most-followed male celebrities with nearly nine million Instagram followers, has responded to recent criticism from fellow actor Babrik Shah.
Babrik Shah, in a lifestyle show on a private TV channel, had made disparaging comments, saying that Imran was “not film material” and that “he does not even look like a man.”
Reacting subtly but firmly, Imran Abbas said he pays little attention to negative remarks and considers them part of the price of success.
“I don’t care about the hate people give me because Allah has been blessing me with all the success, more than I deserve. This hate comes in a package,” the actor said.
He went on to add that those who engage in online trolling or professional jealousy often do so because of their own frustrations.
“Always look at the person who is writing hate comments on social media; he will have an ordinary profile and no achievements in life. It’s his pain that makes him hate. Likewise, professionally, whoever criticizes you is the one who lacks achievements and success and is left behind in the race. That’s why they try to put others down,” Abbas explained.
The Khuda Aur Mohabbat star concluded by saying that instead of responding with anger, he prefers to pray for his critics. “May Allah give them guidance. We can only pray for their guidance,” he said.
Imran Abbas has been part of several popular television dramas, including Noor ul Ain, Koi Chaand Rakh, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Akbari Asghari, and Tumharey Husn Ke Naam. More recently, he was praised for his performances in Ehraam-e-Junoon and Mehshar.
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