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.KARTARPUR, (Pakistan): Sikh pilgrims from India visiting the Kartarpur Darbar Sahib shrine in Pakistan called for peace recently as tensions between the two nations escalated, after Pahalgam attck, which Pakistan called as Indian false flag operation.
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors flared after a deadly militant attack on April 22 that killed at least 26 people, including tourists. India says two of the three militants involved were from Pakistan. Islamabad has denied any involvement.
After the attack, New Delhi suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan unilaterally, recalled defense staff, announced the closure of the main land Attari-Wagah border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and withdrew special visas for Pakistani nationals. In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, canceling the visas for Indian nationals with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
“Small fights and disputes happen in every home. India and Pakistan are our homes,” Lovejeet Singh, a Sikh pilgrim from India’s Punjab state, said on Saturday. He stressed the need for peace and unity between the two states.
“Let’s solve these problems together; nothing is more important than humanity. These are small issues, let’s sit together and find solutions.”
The Kartarpur Corridor, a rare visa-free crossing point opened in 2019, has allowed Indian devotees to visit one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines despite strained political relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Reports said that the troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire in disputed Kashmir for the fourth night in a row on Sunday.
Kashmir has been disputed between India and Pakistan since independence from British rule in 1947. Both countries control parts of it but claim it in full and have fought two wars over the Himalayan territory.
Manjit Singh, another Sikh pilgrim from India, also called for ignoring tensions and moving toward peace. “The tension should be completely removed and the brotherhood (between India and Pakistan) should flourish,” he said.
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