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.DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least nine people including four policemen were killed and scores of others were injured in shooting and blast attack in Dera Ismail Khan.
A suicide blast at District Headquarters Hospital Dera Ismail Khan also injured 15 people.
At least two policemen were martyred when armed terrorists opened fire at a check post in Dera Ismail Khan district. According to reports, incident took place at Kotla Syedan police post in DIK district.
Overall nine people including four policemen were killed in twin terror strike.
The explosion at the hospital gate is said to be a suicide attack.
Police and relief workers rushed to the hospital after the blast and security men cordoned off the premises.
At least 15 people were injured in the blast at hospital gate. The injured were shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for medical attendance.
Security personnel cordoned off the area after the incident and launched a search operation, local officials said.
According to preliminary investigation about the blast, it was a suicide attack, DSP Iftikhar Shah told media.
The suicide bomber was a girl, District Police Officer (DPO) DIK, Riaz Saleem added.
