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, Feb 01 (INP): More than one million saplings would be planted in spring under Parks & Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in the Punjabduring next two months.
This was decided in a meeting presided over by Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed which was attended by Chairmen and Director Generals of PHAs of entire province.
Addressing the meeting, the minister said that beautifying the cities of the province is a priority of the Punjab government in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, and added that PHAs will have to play an active role in this regard.
He directed that feasible proposals should be finalized for beautifying parks and construction and rehabilitation of green-belts along roads. The meeting also discussed various issues about the targets of upcoming tree plantation campaign and results of previous monsoon tree plantations.
High-ups of various PHAs including Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan also gave briefings about different matters pertaining to administrative issues and revenue generation.
It was also decided to set up a committee to devise proposals for increasing the income of PHAs. This committee will submit its report within next 10 days.
