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 Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has summoned 15 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to appear before it over spreading negative propaganda on digital platforms.
According to sources, the JIT, established by the federal government, has summoned the culprits accused of spreading negative propaganda on social media.
The individuals summoned through notices include Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Rauf Hassan, Syed Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Muhammad Khalid Khurshid Khan, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Aun Abbas, Aliya Hamza Malik, Muhammad Shahbaz Shabbir, Waqas Akram, Kanwal Shozab, Taimur Salim Khan, Asad Qaiser and Shah Farman.
The notices explicitly instruct these individuals to clarify their positions on the matter. The sources say that the JIT possesses substantial evidence implicating these individuals in the matter.
It is pertinent to mention that the JIT was formed through notification F.No.8/9/2024-FIA/ under Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
The JIT, led by the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, is conducting investigations. It is probing individuals accused of anti-Pakistan rhetoric and baseless allegations on social media.
The purpose of the JIT is to identify the culprits and take legal action against them in accordance with the law.
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