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.PESHAWAR: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has tightened the noose around illegal housing societies set up in Peshawar on agricultural land without any NOC from the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA).
NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has turned complaint verification (CV) of 156 illegal housing societies into formal inquires. It has been established during the CV stage that these societies sold plots in violation of the rules and procedure.
NAB sources confirmed that NAB KP had taken notice of the news item published in ‘The News’ on December 4, 2020 regarding the establishment of 156 illegal housing societies. These societies have been set up in Peshawar out of which more than 70% are established on agricultural land in violation of the ruling of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Similarly, the PDA documents revealed that societies were set up without any approval or NOC. The provincial government had also taken notice of the news and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had issued orders for action against illegal housing societies.
According to NAB sources, PDA Act, 2017 & KP Local Government Rules, 2005, all the housing schemes are required to get NOC from PDA as per the prescribed procedure. According to the NAB, 152 more complaints have been turned into inquiries against the societies.
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