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: The killers of the policeman performing duty for the polio team in Karak have been arrested, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector-General of Police Dr Sanaullah Abbasi confirmed.
A day earlier, unidentified motorcyclists opened fire and martyred a policeman deployed for the security of a polio team in KP’s Karak Tuesday.
The police said an anti-polio team was vaccinating children in the area when they were attacked. The polio immunization drive had been stopped after the attack.
The martyred police constable was identified as Junaidullah, a resident of Mianki. Junaidullah belonged to the Frontier Reserve Police.
He said the DIG had been contacted regarding the attack in Karak, and the case had been successfully traced.
KP will soon become a polio-free province, the KP IGP vowed, adding that all required security arrangements have been made to conduct the week-long anti-polio campaign in a peaceful manner in the whole province.
The law and order situation improved following the merger of former Federally Administered Tribal Areas with KP, the IG said.
He called the merger a “major achievement” in a media talk at the Peshawar Press Club, The News reported Wednesday.
He listed the elimination of terrorism and narcotics and the merger of erstwhile Fata with KP as some of the major challenges. But said the security situation is now “much better”.
Dr Abbasi was appointed as the KP IG last year in January.
The KP police chief said the reforms process had been initiated in police on a fast-track basis under which powers were delegated to the station house officers.
“We believe in delivery to the people, and steps have been taken to ensure their protection and safety,” the IG said.
The top cop also said that more than 854 police personnel had been suspended while Rs20 million had been given as a reward to the police. He made it clear that if anyone made a mistake, they will be punished accordingly.
Dr Abbasi said the police had been empowered in tribal regions, adding that various steps have been taken to improve capacity building of the Levies and Khassadar forces.
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