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.Man slaughters two little daughters in Karachi
KARACHI: A tragic incident occurred in the North Nazimabad area of Karachi where a man brutally killed his two daughters by slitting their throats with a sharp-edged weapon, Police said
As per the police report, the accused, who was later identified as Akbar, murdered his daughters Zainab, 10, and Aliya 11. Later, the dead bodies of the girls were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi.
The police, after registering a case, arrested Akbar and further started investigation into the incident.
In separate incident, a man allegedly threw his newly-born daughter from third floor of a building in Moach Goth area of Karachi, killing her on the spot.
The witnesses told police that the newly-born girl died on the spot after falling from the building and hitting the ground. Soon after taking notice of the incident, residents alerted law enforcement, which led to the arrest of child parents.
Police have launched the investigation into both cases.
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