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: Amid devastating corona surge in India, anger at Prime Minister Narendra Modi grows with every passing day and Indians are saying that BJP govt has failed them.
A report released by Kashmir Media Service said that Modi is being held responsible for the ongoing Covid calamity for his irresponsible and inhuman behavior. Amidst shortages of hospital beds, medical oxygen, antiviral drugs and vaccines, Indians say they feel abandoned by the govt.
Interestingly, Modi is busy building a new PM’s residence in Delhi when people across India are dying in hospital parking lots, unable to get care, or at home, unable to get an ambulance.
Anger at Modi is visible on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms where calls for his resignation are growing as relatives of Covid patients are frantically searching for medical oxygen. As pressure builds on Modi, Indian government ordered Twitter to remove posts critical of its handling of coronavirus.
Noted Indian author Arundhati Roy has described the current situation in India as a crime against humanity.
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