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.Kim Kardashian has recently expressed her disinterest over reality TV shows.
According to Radar Online, a source revealed that the American Horror Story actress “doesn’t want to let her mom Kris Jenner or the family down, but the truth is, doing the show is the last thing on her priority list” at the moment.
Another insider mentioned that Kim is trying to juggle so many things right now despite studying for the bar exam.
The source noted that the reality star may not cut ties with her family’s Hulu show but she feels “it’s time to scale back”.
“Kim has reached the point where she has to be realistic about her bandwidth,” shared an insider.
The source pointed out, “Between her growing business empire and her four kids, and her ambitions with social justice and her law career, there just aren’t enough hours in the day – something’s got to give.”
Although Kim didn’t attend a regular law school and apprenticed with a law firm in San Francisco, she had passed the baby bar in 2021 after four tries and still needed to pass the main exam to become a licensed attorney.
Following Kim’s decision, the source mentioned, “It’s a nightmare for Kris because Kim is still the fan favourite and she’s also the only one her mom can fully count on.”
“Kim is still insisting it can work, but Kris is freaking out,” added an insider.
Meanwhile, the All’s Fair actress believed her “sisters can pick up the slack and step us, which is only fair as far as Kim’s concerned, since they wouldn’t even have the life, they have if it wasn’t for her”.
