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.SRINAGAR: Kashmiri students have kicked-off a massive digital signature campaign demanding immediate review of the Jammu and Kashmir’s quota reservation policy, saying that prolonged government inaction and callous attitude is jeopardizing their future.
The drive was launched after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently announced a public signature campaign for the restoration of Kashmir’s statehood.
Inspired by the idea, the Kashmir Open Merit Students Association (KOMSA) has started its own campaign to highlight what they call the “unjust and unfair” quota system.
The students revealed that KOMSA launched hte drive after passage of over two months since the Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its report on reservation-related matters to the Law Department, but no decision has been taken so far.
They pointed out that in 2024, the Modi-backed Kashmir administration under Manoj Sinha granted 10 per cent reservation to the Pahari community, further squeezing opportunities for general category youth in jobs and admissions.
KOMSA activist, Sahil Parray revealed to media that they had already collected more than 6,500 online signatures and were aiming for 50,000. He said the earlier offline campaign submitted to the Chief Minister was ignored, but students hoped the latest effort would compel authorities to respond.
“Since the Chief Minister himself endorsed public campaigns, we expect him to also consider ours. The future of our youth is at stake,” Parray said.
The students have demanded that the government urgently make public the Cabinet Sub-Committee report and take a swift decision on the reservation policy, stressing that their struggle will continue until their voices are heard.
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