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 Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has approved the appointment of permanent chief justices for all four high courts across the country.
According to a statement issued here on Tuesday, the commission held four meetings under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
Justice Junaid Ghaffar has been appointed chief justice of the Sindh High Court through a unanimous decision, Justice Attique Shah will lead the Peshawar High Court, Justice Rozi Khan has been chosen for the Balochistan High Court, while Justice Sarfaraz Dogar has been named the permanent chief justice of the Islamabad High Court. The Peshawar, Balochistan, and Islamabad judges were selected through majority votes.
The decision came during a meeting of the Judicial Commission held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, presided over by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
Sources confirmed that the commission approved each appointment by majority vote. However, the meeting was not without controversy. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah objected to the proceedings, arguing that the commission should first decide on the pending 26th Constitutional Amendment case before moving ahead with judicial appointments. His stance was supported by Justice Muneeb Akhtar, two representatives of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law minister. Despite the objections, the appointments moved forward.
According to official correspondence, the secretary of the Judicial Commission has formally informed the Prime Minister’s Office of the commission’s decisions. The letter, addressed to the principal secretary to the prime minister, confirmed that all four appointments were approved by majority vote.
The letter also urged the PM to complete the remaining formalities for the appointments under sub-clause 8 of Article 175A of the Constitution.
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