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.ISLAMABAD: In a major reshuffle in the Cabinet the federal government on Friday announced the portfolios of the newly inducted cabinet members, with Hanif Abbasi appointed as the Federal Minister for Railways and Mustafa Kamal taking charge of the Ministry of Health.
According to an official notification, Khawaja Asif will now only retain the portfolio of the Ministry of Defense, while Azam Nazir Tarar has been assigned the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Human Rights.
Abdul Aleem Khan has been appointed as the Federal Minister for Communications, while Musdaik Malik will take charge of the Ministry of Climate Change.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has been entrusted with the Ministry of Education, whereas Chaudhry Salik has been given the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
Furthermore, Rana Tanveer will now solely oversee the Ministry of National Food Security, while Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has been appointed as the Federal Minister for the Board of Investment.
Additionally, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has been assigned the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, while Ali Pervaiz Malik will oversee the Ministry of Petroleum. Khalid Hussain Magsi has been given the Science and Technology portfolio.
Muhammad Munir Wattoo has been appointed as the Federal Minister for Water Resources, while Aurangzeb Khichi will head the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.
Similarly, Muhammad Junaid Anwar has been entrusted with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and Raza Hayat Hiraj will serve as the Minister for Defense Production.
Sardar Yousaf has been assigned the Ministry of Religious Affairs, while Shaza Fatima will oversee the Ministry of Information Technology. Meanwhile, Rana Mubashir Iqbal has been appointed as the Minister for the Public Affairs Unit.
The government has stated that the portfolios of special assistants and advisors will be announced separately. It was also confirmed that three ministers have yet to take oath due to their unavailability at the oath-taking ceremony.
The cabinet members took the oath earlier this week in a ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, administered by President [Name]. The government has expressed confidence that the newly appointed ministers will work diligently to address key national challenges and improve governance.
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