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.KARACHI: In a significant move for animal welfare, Madhubala, the lone elephant at the Karachi Zoological Gardens, was transferred to City’s Safari Park on Tuesday.
This relocation aims to provide her with a more natural environment and the companionship of two other elephants at Safari Park.
The operation, conducted by the international organisation, Four Paws, involved a heavy container and crane to ensure a safe transfer over a distance of approximately 12.5 kilometres.
The meticulous process, which was conducted under the supervision of officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Wildlife Department, took approximately four hours.
This movement momentarily halted traffic on the port city’s Lyari Expressway.
Additionally, Four Paws was involved in this operation because special expertise and scientific knowledge are required to shift animals of massive size from one recreational place to another in the city.
A proper transfer route plan was adopted for the operation so that electricity wires and other infrastructure of the public utility services wouldn’t obstruct the shifting process that should be completed without any hindrance.
The Four Paws representatives told media persons that the shifting process was completed successfully and the animal after her transfer was in peace. They said the change of captive area was a good decision for the health and upkeep of the animal.
Fruits were served to Madhubala on her arrival at the Safari Park. A swimming pool was especially readied for her at the Safari Park as part of her enclosure area.
Madhubala had been kept alone at the Karachi Zoo after the death of her old companion elephant Noor Jahan, which died last year. Both Noor Jahan and Madhubala were brought to the Karachi Zoo from Tanzania in 2010 at a young age.
After the death of Noor Jahan, the concerned animal experts advised shifting Madhubala to the Safari Park, where she would get the company of two animals.
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