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: Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has challenged the transfer of three Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP).
The constitutional petition, filed by the former prime minister, named the federal government, registrars of the Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad High Courts as respondents.
The petition argued that the existing judges of the Islamabad High Court were being targeted for retribution, as they had previously spoken out against interference and decided cases against Khan on merit. It further stated that a judge was appointed as acting Chief Justice without taking the oath, calling it an attempt to undermine judicial independence.
The petition requested the court to nullify the transfer of the three judges, ensure transparency in light of the Al-Jehad Trust case, and rule that Article 200 of the Constitution could only be exercised through detailed consultation.
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