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: Pakistan has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over Israeli aggression in Qatar.
Senator Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has revealed that in the wake of Israel’s unprovoked and illegal aggression on Qatar, Pakistan, in coordination with Algeria and Somalia, has requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
In a tweet, Senator Dar emphasized that the matter is extremely serious and requires immediate attention from the Security Council.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity and unwavering support for the Qatari government and its people.
Earlier, following the Israeli attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the actions and personally contacted the Emir of Qatar by phone to express complete solidarity.
Separately, Pakistan called for strengthening and better equipping the United Nations peacekeeping to address the underlying causes of disputes, saying the missions must be designed with clear priorities, achievable tasks, and credible leadership.
Pakistan calls for boosting UN peacekeeping missions’ role to resolve disputes
“Missions should be empowered to sustain ceasefires, deter escalation, and foster dialogue, including through the Secretary-General’s good offices and preventive diplomacy,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
Speaking in a debate on UN peace operations, held under South Korea’s presidency, he voiced concern that peacekeeping, just like UN, was under siege, as it was starved of resources, constrained in mandates, and shrinking in presence.
“But”, the Pakistani envoy said, “We cannot let one of multilateralism’s most effective tools be sidelined by inaction. We are all stakeholders in its success, and we must act to not only preserve but to make this instrument even more relevant and fit for purpose and fit for future – corresponding to the diverse challenges in the domain of peace and security.”
Read more: Gaza Flotilla Reports Second Drone Attack At Tunisian Port
