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.Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has come under criticism after reports emerged that she arrived nearly three hours late to her Canada tour show, according to media outlets.
Videos shared by attendees captured the actress making a delayed appearance on stage, which quickly drew backlash across social media platforms.
Fans claimed that while the show was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., it did not start until around 10 p.m.
Several audience members voiced their frustration, saying the delay showed a lack of respect for their time and caused confusion at the venue.
One disappointed fan commented, “I left at 11:05 PM because I had work the next day. It’s unclear whether the delay was Madhuri’s fault or the organizers’, but starting this late was unacceptable.”
Another attendee criticized the event’s poor management, saying, “This was the worst show ever. The advertisement didn’t mention she’d only chat and perform brief snippets of songs. The promoters handled it terribly — many people walked out demanding refunds.”
Social media quickly reacted to the video, with some users describing the event as ‘chaotic,’ ‘disorganised,’ and ‘a waste of time’.
Comments ranged from disappointment to anger, with many calling for refunds and urging formal complaints to be filed with local consumer protection authorities.
However, amid the backlash, some fans defended Madhuri.
One admirer pointed out, “She seems to be performing as graciously as always. This might be a production or management issue.” Another wrote, “Madhuri Dixit is amazing. Real fans would appreciate any glimpse of her. The delay isn’t her fault; it’s the organizers’ responsibility.”
This controversy follows a pattern seen with other Indian artists facing late-show criticism.
Earlier this year, singer Neha Kakkar faced backlash for a delayed Melbourne concert and later apologized, citing poor arrangements by organizers. Madhuri’s team has yet to issue an official statement regarding the Canada show controversy.
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