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: Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) hearing was resumed by Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on a case pertaining to restoration of KCR as mega project of transportation for the people of metropolis.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed remarked that Sindh government had taken responsibility to recover circular railways land in Karachi, however, nothing has been done in this regard.
If you cannot implement the court’s order, then you may better leave your post, he resented over provincial government’s representative.
The top judge has directed city commissioner to evacuate the occupied land in one week and ordered to demolish all the buildings, housing societies and petrol pumps illegally constructed on railways land. “We want Karachi Circular Railways in original form”, he added.
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Justice Gulzar further threatened to issue contempt notices if the authorities fail to satisfy the court.
Meanwhile, chief secretary told the court that Sindh government has given all the power to mayor over which, the top judge said, “You people have taken the Karachi’s internal issues as joke. Stop pretending to be master in front of judiciary.”
He further directed to submit explanation with Chief Minister of Sindh (CM) Murad Ali Shah’s signature for not restoring local bodies system in the metropolis.
Not a one percent professional work has been done in Karachi. You people have turned this beautiful city into jungle by destroying parks and other recreational places to build useless tall buildings, he went on to say.
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