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.RAWALPINDI, 22 Feb (TNT News): Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday said Lieutenant General (retd) Asad Durrani, the former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence, was found guilty of violating the military code of conduct.
The DG ISPR was addressing a press conference in the wake of the situation arising after the Pulwama attack.
Major General Ghafoor informed that Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani was found guilty of violating the military code of conduct, after he co-authored a book ‘The Spy Chronicles’ with AS Dulat, the former chief of India’s spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
“He has been found guilty of violating the military code of conduct. His pension and other benefits have been stopped,” the DG ISPR said.
“Two senior military officials are under arrest for espionage. The army chief has ordered their court martial,” he further said, adding that the two officials in question “are not part of a network.”
An inquiry was launched against Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani last year for publishing ‘The Spy Chronicles’. He had also been summoned to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in May, where he was asked to explain his position on views attributed to him in the book.
During the news conference, DG ISPR warned India not to mess with Pakistan and refuted reports regarding Pakistan preparing for war, but said that if India initiated any aggression, it would not be able to surprise Pakistan.
“Pakistan is not preparing for war. Threats and reports of war are coming from your side. We are only using our right to self-defence,” he addressed Indian leadership’s threats of waging war on Pakistan.
“We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you [India] initiate any aggression, first you will never be able to surprise us. But let me assure you, we will surprise you. We shall also dominate the escalation ladder. Never think due to our commitments elsewhere we will have any capacity lack,” the DG ISPR warned.
