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: Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo on Friday said that the opposition will not come under any pressure to withdraw from its move against Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.
Talking to media with other opposition senators on side, Hasil Bizenjo, the opposition candidate for the top seat of the upper house, said that the majority of Senate backing the opposition demand adding that the no-trust move against the chairman has succeed.
He said incumbent chairman of Senate is a representative of the government. “If the government will try to impede in the no-confidence motion, it will be the violation of constitution.”
Bizenjo said that the opposition has submitted its reply to the letter of the Chairman at the Senate Secretariat, details of which will be released to the media.
He said that opposition in its reply said that the chairman could not chair the session, which will proceed over the no-trust motion against him. Any other member of the house will chair that session of the upper house.
He said the ‘numbers game’ for the no-confidence move against chairman was complete.
Senator Ghafoor Hyderi talking to media on the occasion said, “We don’t want any fight, we enjoy a clear majority over the issue.” The government is using delaying tactics over the matter, he said.
Senator Usman Kakar said that the majority of Senate wants to see Mir Hasil Bizenjo as chairman of the house.
