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.The meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change was held on Friday under the Convenership of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed; the meeting was attended by Senator Keshoo Bai and Senator Sitara Ayaz. Ms. Saima Umar and Dr. Dushka Saiyid, environmental experts and activists from Green Force attended the meeting as well.
The main focus of the Sub-Committee was to consider and report on environmental issues pertaining to the Islamabad Capital Territory. The meeting was called to formulate a work plan for the next two months. Suggestions from parliamentarians, experts and media persons covering the meeting were welcomed.
Emphasis was placed on running awareness campaigns on national television with a special focus on mobilizing students, garbage collection and disposal, making Islamabad a plastic free zone, cleaning up of nullahs, manholes and establishment of an abattoir.
The Committee recommended that the next meeting should be held on the 12 February, 2019 and that government agencies such as Central Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) be summoned.
