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.NEW DELHI: Himanshi Narwal, widow of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was killed in the 22 April Pahalgam False Flag Indian Operation, is facing vicious trolling online after appealing for peace and unity.
At a blood donation camp held on 1 May—her late husband’s birthday—Himanshi urged people not to target Muslims and Kashmiris, saying, “We want peace and only peace… those responsible should be punished.”
Her plea, widely circulated by news agencies, sparked a wave of hateful and baseless allegations on social media. Trolls accused her of wanting to grab property and compensation, and even suggested links to terrorists.
One user linked to the BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) called her the “mind-washed face of Indian secularism.”
Indian publication The Quint found images of the user with LJP insignia and Chirag Paswan, but received no immediate response from the party.
Another Pahalgam victim’s daughter, Arathy Menon, also faced abuse after acknowledging the help she received from local Kashmiris.
Despite the trolling, support poured in for Himanshi. Lalitha Ramdas, wife of the late Admiral L Ramdas, praised her as the “perfect fauji wife” for upholding secular and constitutional values.
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