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.LAHORE: The Lahore district administration has released a detailed report on the damages caused by recent floods, confirming that more than 82,000 people and dozens of villages were impacted across the city’s five tehsils.
According to the report, 26 villages in five tehsils of Lahore were affected. These include:
City: 4 villages
Ravi: 9 villages
Allama Iqbal: 5 villages
Raiwind: 7 villages
Wagah: 1 village
In total, 82,952 people were affected by the flooding across these areas.
The district administration reported that 7,888 people were provided transport facilities to move to safe locations. Meanwhile, 36,658 people trapped in floodwaters were successfully evacuated and shifted to safer places.
Despite the scale of the disaster, the report confirmed that no deaths occurred in Lahore, though three people sustained injuries.
Only one road was damaged due to the floods, while authorities confirmed that no roof collapsed, no dam broke, and no bridge was damaged in the affected tehsils.
In response to health needs, the administration set up 17 medical camps across Lahore, where 16,967 people received medical treatment. These camps aimed to address immediate health concerns in flood-affected communities.
To protect livestock, 26 veterinary camps were established. According to the report, 18,921 animals received medical care, while 13,621 animals were shifted to safe locations to prevent losses.
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