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.
NEW DELHI: Former prime minister of India Manmohan Singh will visit Pakistan and attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Indian media reported on Thursday.
According to details, the visit of erstwhile premier is contingent on Indian government’s approval. Manmohan Singh will reach Kartarpur on November 9, and he has also conducted a sitting with Indian Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in this regard.
Pakistan had invited Manmohan Singh on the inaugural ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that the decision to invite Singh was taken after high-level consultation.
The minister had further stated that Sikh pilgrims will also be welcomed in the inaugural ceremony that will be held on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
It is to be mentioned here that Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the project on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary Baba Guru Nanak that will be celebrated on November 12.
Read More: Pakistan to allow 5,000 Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur this year: FO
Last month Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar had said that let it be war or peace, the Kartarpur Corridor Project will be completed till November, under any circumstances.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on September 23, Ch. Sarwar said in the Kartarpur Corridor project India is acting rigid since the day one but despite of all the hurdles Pakistan is working on Kartarpur Corridor project and InshAllah before the 550th Birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Pakistan will complete Kartarpur Project.
To mark Baba Guru Nanaks 550th Birthday celebrations, an International Sikh convention will be organized at Governor House which will be attended by Sikhs coming from all over the world, he added.
He assured Sikh pilgrims who coming from all over the world they will be provided with fool proof security in Pakistan and government will ensure the provision of other facilities. According to the vision of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah minorities will be given their due rights in Pakistan, he added.
(With additional input from INP)
