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.ROME:Italy’s 2022 world swimming champion Benedetta Pilato and fellow Italian swimmer Chiara Tarantino were handed 90-day bans on Thursday for stealing cosmetics at Singapore airport.
The two were caught red-handed upon their return from this year’s World Championships, where Pilato won a bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke.
“Given the facts revealed by the investigation and the cooperation of the two athletes, who acknowledged their responsibilities, the prosecutor of the Italian Swimming Federation has decided to suspend them for 90 days from all activities starting today,” the federation announced.
The suspension will prevent Pilato, 20, and Tarantino, 23, from taking part in the European Short Course Championships in December in Poland.
The pair were arrested by Singapore police on August 14 after stealing two cosmetic items from a duty-free shop at the airport. They were allowed to return to Italy on August 20 after Italian authorities intervened.
Pilato later said on social media that she had been “involved in this theft independently of [her] will.”
“From this experience, I have learned valuable lessons about prudence, personal responsibility, and the importance of the people around me,” wrote Pilato, who won world breaststroke gold in Budapest three years ago.
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