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.ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Thursday dismissed the rumours suggesting that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir intends to become the president of Pakistan, terming the speculation “completely baseless and harmful to national stability.”
In a statement issued on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the federal minister strongly condemned what he described as a “negative campaign” targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Army Chief Asim Munir.
“These rumours are being deliberately spread by hostile elements and foreign agencies to undermine political stability and institutional harmony in the country,” the minister claimed.
Naqvi said there was no truth to reports of President Zardari resigning or Gen Munir eyeing the presidency. “The Chief of Army Staff has no political objectives. His only focus is on strengthening Pakistan and ensuring its stability,” he said.
The interior minister also underlined the “deep mutual respect and trust” between the military and civilian leadership, particularly between the president and the army chief, saying that “this relationship cannot be shaken by such propaganda.”
Responding to a journalist’s question earlier regarding the alleged removal of President Zardari, Naqvi had also clarified that “no such discussion is taking place at any level.”
He stressed that the government was aware of “who is behind these false narratives, why they are being circulated, and who stands to benefit.”
“Let them do whatever they want. We will take every necessary step to make Pakistan strong again, InshaAllah,” he concluded.
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