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: Adviser to the PM on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan on Monday hoped that US president-elect Joe Biden would make Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s return possible.
Babar Awan said this in a meeting with Dr Aafia’s sister Fauzia Siddiqui.
Dr Aafia, a Pakistani neuroscientist jailed in the United States, was indicted by a New York federal district court in September 2008 on charges of attempted murder and assault, stemming from an incident during an interview with the US authorities in Ghazni, Afghanistan — charges that she denied.
After 18 months in detention, she was tried and convicted in early 2010 and sentenced to 86 years in prison. She has since been imprisoned in the US.
Awan updated Dr Aafia’s sister on the progress made so far in the case.
He said addressing the problems of Pakistanis abroad is one of the PTI government’s top priorities. “The government is working for the return of Pakistanis imprisoned in different countries,” Awan said.
He said 5,000 Pakistani prisoners had been brought back home so far through the personal efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He called the imprisonment of Dr Aafia a big human rights violation.
He said the foreign ministry will take up the release of Dr Aafia in the Senate.
Last month, Awan had informed the Senate that Dr Aafia had signed a clemency petition.
Awan, who was speaking on behalf of the foreign minister during the question-hour, said Dr Aafia’s petition was being sent to US President Donald Trump through the jail department.
