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: Islamabad and Baghdad have reached an agreement to declare Islamabad and Baghdad as sister-cities as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq was signed.
The two sides have reached an agreement during a meeting between CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Iraqi He Islamabad and Baghdad are likely to enter in teh relationship of sister cities as the two sides are agreed to enhance bilateral cooperationad of Mission Abdul Qadir Sulaiman Al-Humaeri.
Held at CDA Headquarters, the meeting focused on fostering bilateral cooperation, with special emphasis on strengthening municipal-level ties.
Both sides agreed to formally sign a MoU to establish the twin-city relationship.
This initiative aims to promote cultural exchange, people-to-people linkages, and collaboration in urban development.
Al-Humaeri praised the efforts led by Randhawa to enhance Islamabad’s development, beauty, and environmental sustainability. He expressed strong interest in boosting economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries, and emphasised Iraq’s readiness to actively engage in the implementation of joint initiatives with CDA.
The proposed MoU will pave the way for collaboration in several sectors including preservation of cultural heritage, urban planning, infrastructure enhancement, beautification of public spaces, and sustainable development.
It is expected to strengthen diplomatic and municipal cooperation between the capitals of both nations.
During the meeting, Randhawa briefed the Iraqi envoy about the modernisation and uplift of the Diplomatic Enclave under the directions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
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