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: In a continued crackdown on criminal activities, Karachi police engaged in 11 encounters with armed robbers over the past week, resulting in the deaths of three suspects and the arrest of 16 others, including 13 injured in exchange of fire.
According to a spokesperson for Karachi Police on Monday, the arrested suspects were found in possession of 13 illegal weapons of various types and five motorcycles used in crimes.
During operations conducted in the East, West, and South zones of the city, police apprehended more than 1058 suspects involved in various criminal activities.
As part of their anti-narcotics campaign, law enforcement agencies recovered 22.566 kg of hashish, ice/crystal meth, and heroin, worth millions of rupees, from various locations across Karachi.
Additionally, over 86 illegal firearms with ammunition reportedly used in muggings and other crimes were seized from the arrested suspects.
Police also recovered a total of 32 snatched and stolen motorcycles and two large vehicles during separate operations.
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