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.SKARDU: Pakistani climhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanber named Iftikhar Hussain was killed this week and a foreigner sustained injuries after an avalanche struck Camp 1 at K2, the world’s second-highest peak, reports said.
The incident took place on Friday when the camp was struck by an avalanche at approximately 2:30 pm, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report, citing a press release from the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) on Saturday.
The state media said that the avalanche occurred around 500 meters above the base camp, catching four climbers in its path. Two managed to return safely to the Advance Base Camp, while the foreign climber suffered minor injuries.
“Local climber Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of Sadpara, Skardu, lost his life in the incident,” APP reported on Saturday. “His body was recovered and brought down to the base camp.”
Standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) on the Pakistan-China border, K2 is 238 meters shorter than Everest but is considered technically more challenging— earning it the nickname “Savage Mountain.”
Following the incident, the expedition outfitter submitted a formal request to Major General Irfan Arshad, the president of the ACP and Askari Aviation, for a mercy helicopter operation to repatriate the deceased.
The request was approved on humanitarian grounds, after which Hussain’s body was airlifted to Skardu in northern Pakistan.
Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world and a major tourist destination. Thousands of tourists and foreign climbers visit the region each year for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding and other sports activities.
Pakistan has produced several professional climbers, both men and women, who have summited some of the world’s tallest peaks in recent years.
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