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: China assured full support for Pakistan in case of any Indian misadventure in the wake of Pahalgam false flag operation.
China expressed complete solidarity with Pakistan after India levelled false allegations of Pahalgam incident in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a statement, said they fully understood Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.
Wang also voiced China’s support for a fair and timely investigation into the attacks.
The Chinese foreign minister urged both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, and work together to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region.
Last week, the National Security Committee (NSC) decided to give India a fitting response and take up belligerence with international forums.
The decision was taken a day after India announced revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic relations and closure of Attari passage.
The NSC also rejected all Indian allegations against Pakistan in the wake of Pahalgam attack.
The meeting approved the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pledged to give a strong response to Indian diplomatic and water aggression.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness of the armed forces.
The NSC decided to close Wagah Border with immediate effect and said Pakistan reserved the right to suspend all bilateral agreements, including Simla Pact (signed in 1972).
The NSC expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in a terrorist attack in India-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam area.
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