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.PESHAWAR: Unidentified terrorists ambushed a police patrolling party during Wednesday night in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a senior official said on Thursday.
Killing three police personnel and wounding another one before terrorists managed escape from the site.
The assault occurred in Banda Dawood Shah, in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, an area close to Bannu that has long been prone to militant violence.
Bannu itself was the scene of a major attack earlier this week, when six security personnel and six militants were killed in an hours-long battle at a paramilitary Frontier Constabulary base after a suicide bomber rammed the compound.
“The attackers, who were lying in ambush, suddenly opened fire on the police party at around 9:30 p.m. [on Wednesday],” said Shaukat Khan, spokesperson for Karak district police.
“Inspector Umar Niaz and two other policemen succumbed to their injuries on the spot, while one personnel was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital,” he added.
Khan said the assailants fled after the attack, prompting police to cordon off the area and launch a search operation.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive.
KP has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months, much of it blamed on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organization of militant outfits in the region.
Pakistani officials say TTP militants operate from neighboring Afghanistan and have previously accused the Kabul administration of “facilitating” cross-border attacks. Kabul rejects the allegation, saying Pakistan’s security issues are its internal matter.
Pakistani security forces have also launched intelligence-based operations in the region to counter the militant presence.
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