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.CHINIOT, PUNJAB:
A man committed suicide in the city of Chiniot, Punjab after killing his wife and three children, INP news agency reported.
The incident took place in area of Rai Chand where a man named Mohammad Aijaz opened fire on his three children and wife before proceeding to take his own life afterwards.
According to police, Mohammad Aijaz killed his wife Rubina, 5 years’ old son Abu Bakar, 4 years’ old daughter Tehreem and 3 years’ old son Murtazeen by firing at them.
The people of area say that the family was very poor and husband wife used to fight over this issue quite often.
Area DPO officer Anwar Khetran reached at the incident place from where bullets and other evidences were collected related to the incident.
Meanwhile in another incident a youngster attempted suicide after shooting a girl after she refused to marry her, in Burewala city of Punjab. Both were hospitalized in critical condition.
Police said that a youth hailing from Burewala city was in love with a girl residing in neighbourhood and wanted to tie knot with her.
He proposed the girl but she refused to enter in marriage after which he got disappointed and furious. The youth shot at and injured the girl with a pistol and attempted suicide with the same weapon injuring him critically.
Both the youth, girl was shifted to hospital where their condition was stated to be critical.
