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.WANA (South Waziristan): After extensive efforts at the Pak-Afghan Angoor Adda border, the transport issue has been amicably resolved after 18 months.
Vehicles parked on both sides of the border were exchanged, and each vehicle was returned to its respective owner.
Saif-ur-Rahman Wazir, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lower South Waziristan, stated that Pak-Afghan border trade had been suspended for the past 18 months, causing disruption in business activities.
He mentioned that the transport matter between the two countries had resulted in significant losses, adversely affecting the local economy.
During the event, the president acknowledged that the transport issue was resolved through the collaborative efforts of military leadership, especially, Major General Haroon Hamid Chaudhry, IGFC KP South Punjab regemant unite KP, DC Muhammad Nasir Khan, ADC Kamshir Khan, DPO South Waziristan Lower, Farman Ullah Wardag, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and all other unions.
He expressed gratitude to the military leadership, civil administration, and the police for their role in resolving the transport issue. He also commended the cooperation and contribution of higher officials.
He lauded the role of Paktika Transport President Asadullah Sangari and his entire team from the Afghanistan side, who played a pivotal role in addressing the transport issue round the clock.
It is worth to mention here that for the past 18 months, commercial activities on both sides were severely affected due to a personal dispute among some transporters, resulting in substantial losses for Pak-Afghan traders.
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