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.LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reiterated his party’s contribution to the country’s defence and economic development, saying that the people vote for performance and work must continue alongside politics.
Talking to mediaperson outside his residence at Avenfield House in London, Nawaz Sharif said the PML-N had played a pivotal role in stabilising the country and reviving the economy after what he termed as damage inflicted by the previous government.
“People vote for work. Work should be done along with politics,” PML-N Supremo revealed, adding that conditions in the country were now gradually improving and returning to stability.
PML-N President pointed to several achievements of his party during its time in power, claiming credit for major developments including the construction of motorways, dams, power plants, and the strengthening of the rupee during his tenure. “The rupee remained stable for four years during our government,” he said.
He went on to assert that the PML-N had a decisive role in making Pakistan a nuclear power and in the development of JF-17 fighter jets in collaboration with China.
“It was PML-N that gave Pakistan missile technology,” the former premier claimed.
Referring to the recent by-election in Sambrial, Mr Sharif said the victory demonstrated that voters recognise and support the party’s development-oriented policies.
“The nation knows who has done what for the country,” he added.
Without naming any party, Mr Sharif criticised political rivals for neglecting national progress. “Tell the nation what the PML-N did and what others did,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of national gratitude and historical recognition. “We should thank Allah as a nation and remember who served Pakistan and how,” the PML-N leader remarked.
Nawaz Sharif maintained that the PML-N had contributed to every sector of national development and said the party’s focus remained on building Pakistan’s future through progress and stability.
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