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.LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries & Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal has said that biased Indian Prime Minister Narandra Modi has committed genocide of Muslims in India and of Kashmiris in Indian Held Kashmir.
The provincial minister expressed these views while addressing on the Kashmir Day seminar at Government College University, on Wednesday. Chairman Kashmir Committee Syed Fakhar Iman, VC GCU Dr. Asghar Zaidi, faculty members, teachers and a large number of students were also present in the seminar.
Mian Aslam said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani government and the whole nation standby our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Prime Minister Imran Khan raised the Kashmir issue at UN Forum with full vigour and zeal, he added.
He said that former Chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana enjoyed all the perks and privileges but practically did nothing for raising Kashmir issue at international level. Chairman Kashmir Committee Syed Fakhar Imam has rendered numerous services for Pakistan, he maintained.
The provincial minister said that our previous rulers bluffed with the nation and practically did not do anything substantial. Owing to this Pakistan became economically distressed. We live and die with Pakistan and will collectively make it stand on its feet, he concluded.
(With input from INP)
Read more:Hosni Mubarak, former Egyptian president dies at 91
