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.QUETTA: A major of the Pakistan Army was among three soldiers martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a security forces’ vehicle in the Mastung district of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) state in a handout.
The ISPR confirmed that Major Rizwan Tahir embraced martyrdom in the attack. Two other soldiers, Naik Ibni Amin, aged 37 from Swabi, and Lance Naik Muhammad Younas, aged 33 from Karak, also sacrificed their lives.
Major Tahir had participated in multiple counter-terrorism operations, the statement added.
Following the incident, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation and neutralised four militants affiliated with Indian-sponsored terror networks.
The sanitisation operation remains underway in the area due to the possible presence of more militants.
According to the ISPR, such sacrifices by brave soldiers further strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Mastung, attributing the incident to Indian-backed elements.
He described the assault as an attack on Pakistan’s peace and stability. In a statement, Bugti said that the nefarious intentions of the enemy would not succeed under any circumstances. He added that the sacrifices of the country’s brave soldiers would not go in vain and that a decisive response would be delivered on every front.
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