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: The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, has decided to provide grant assistance of USD 113,335 (equivalent to around PKR 32 million) to two NGOs for development projects in Maskeenabad, Rawalpindi and Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The grant contracts were signed between H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and representatives of the two NGOs at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on October 7, 2025. The two NGOs that will implement the projects are ACTED and Kaus-e-Kazah Welfare Organization (KKO).
ACTED will receive a grant of USD 61,200 (equivalent to around PKR 17.3 million) to rehabilitate the Solar-Powered Water Supply System in one of the most underdeveloped areas in District Nowshera. The project includes the construction of a distribution water tank and extension of water pipelines to ensure a consistent and safe water supply to the community. This project will benefit 1,470 individuals residing in village Asha Khel directly. It is also expected to free women and children from the labor of fetching water.
KKO will receive a USD 52,135 grant (equivalent to around PKR 14.8 million) for the construction of a primary school in Maskeenabad, District Rawalpindi. The school will offer free education to 300 students every year, aiming to promote the enrollment of out-of-school children in surrounding areas. This project will have a positive impact on the young generation, especially families who cannot afford education for their children.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi expressed his expectation that these development projects in cooperation with local communities would improve the living standards of Pakistani people at the grassroots level. He also met with children from Maskeenabad during the ceremony and emphasized that education lays a strong foundation for a prosperous country and that these young children would be the bright future of Pakistan.
Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi also highlighted that basic infrastructure and education have always been a cornerstone of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) strategy, reflecting Japan’s own journey of development. The Government of Japan will continue to provide flexible and timely support to local NGOs through grant assistance to uplift the social wellbeing of the people of Pakistan.
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