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: Opposition’s 11-party alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has reached to an agreement of ‘Meesaq-e-Pakistan’ (Charter of Pakistan) and agreed the 12-point agenda of the political Charter in a moot held in Islamabad.
PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced in a press conference after alliance meeting, that the opposition alliance has made an agreement on 12-point agenda of ‘Meesaq-e-Pakistan’.
Fazlur Rehman said that this fulfills the promise made to people of sharing the ground rules and objectives of the platform.
The 12 point-agenda agreed under ‘Meesaq-e-Pakistan’ were outlined as follows:
1. Enforcement of and supremacy of the Constitution of Pakistan
2. Autonomy of the parliament
3. Elimination of the role of establishment and intelligence agencies from politics
4. Establishment of an independent judiciary
5. Reforms for free, independent and fair elections
6. Protection of basic human and democratic rights of the people
7. Protection of the rights of the provinces and the 18th constitutional Amendment
8. Effective local government system
9. Security of freedom of expression and media
10. Elimination of extremism and terrorism and the implementation of the National Action Plan
11. Emergency economic plan for an end to inflation, unemployment, and for poverty alleviation
12. Protection and implementation of the Islamic provisions of the Constitution
PDM President, Fazlur Rehman, during the briefing, also made passing remarks about the Shabbar Zaidi controversy, saying that the ex-FBR chief’s “confession” is an “FIR against the government”.
“The sugar mafia was given a facility of Rs 400 billion,” alleged the PDM chief, adding: “Shabbar Zaidi said that Imran Khan told him ‘leave them, they fund us’.” He also said that when Zaidi “caught those responsible”, he was “fired”.
The PDM chief also said that the Opposition alliance “rejects the rigging in Gilgit Baltistan”. “This was a replay of the rigging of the 2018 elections,” said Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He alleged that the Supreme Court’s directives for a free and fair election in Gilgit Baltistan were ignored.
“We have decided that we will not end our campaign until the selected government is sent packing,” the Maulana declared.
He said that the NAB, FIA and other agencies are “taking revenge” by making “false cases” against politically active people.
Fazlur Rehman said that PDM rejects the ban on political rallies under the “guise of coronavirus”. “The PDM’s rallies will be held as per schedule.”
