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.KARACHI: The rescue operation following the collapse of a five-storey building in Lyari area of Karachi has been completed on the third day, with the death toll rising to 27.
The debris has been cleared from the site in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, where heavy machinery was employed to remove the rubble.
According to rescue officials, 27 bodies were recovered from the collapsed structure. Of the 11 injured, 10 have been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment, while one remains under care.
The final victim retrieved from the wreckage was that of a young man named Zaid. Among the deceased are three children, nine wome, and 15 men.
The incident took place on Friday in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, bringing down the entire structure and causing damage to adjacent buildings. Rescue teams managed to pull out 10 people alive from the debris.
Emergency response teams — including Rescue 1122, police, and Rangers — reached the scene promptly and launched relief efforts. Heavy machinery is being used to clear the rubble and aid search operations.
Among the bodies transferred to Civil Hospital were 55-year-old Hoor Bibi, 35-year-old Waseem, 21-year-old Prantik son of Harsey, and 28-year-old Prem son of unknown. Fatima, wife of Babu, succumbed to injuries, during treatment at Civil Hospital. The bodies of a 25-year-old woman, a 30-year-old man, and a 7-year-old child remain unidentified.
Meanwhile, the funeral rites for 20 victims belonging to the Hindu Maheshwari community were performed at the Edhi morgue in Moosa Lane. They were later buried at the Maheshwari cemetery in Baldi Mowachh Goth.
The collapse also caused damaged to surrounding buildings, prompting authorities to evacuate nearby residents. The area remained cordoned off by the police. Approximately 50 rickshaws were parked beneath the collapsed building were also crushed.
In the Agra Taj area of Lyari, cracks have appeared in another eight-storey residential building. Declared dangerous by the administration, it has since been evacuated and sealed. Electricity to the building has been disconnected and water tank dismantled.
Residents have staged protests, demanding alternative accommodation. The Deputy Commissioner for Karachi South stated that arrangements have been made to temporarily relocate affected families to local schools.
According to the local administration, 22 buildings in Lyari have been declared unsafe. Fourteen of these have already been evacuated, while efforts continue to vacate the remaining eight.
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