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.MANAMA: In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the First Pakistan-Bahrain Investment Opportunities Summit and Smart Expo 2025 concluded successfully on Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, marking a new chapter in Pakistan-Gulf commercial cooperation.
Organized by the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry in partnership with the Embassy of Pakistan in Bahrain, the landmark summit brought together over 125 delegates from top Pakistani firms across sectors including information technology, stock exchange services, human resources, and real estate. The event aimed to attract investment into Pakistan while also opening doors for Pakistani businesses in the Bahraini market.
The inaugural session was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Abduljabbar Alkoheji, Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while the closing ceremony was graced by Bahrain’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, underscoring the strategic significance of the event.
Attendees participated in business-to-business (B2B) meetings, with participating companies exhibiting a wide range of investment-ready projects and services. The summit generated an estimated $12 million in deals, according to preliminary reports, signaling strong interest from Bahraini investors in Pakistan’s growing sectors.
“This event has paved the way for robust commercial partnerships. We see great potential for mutual investment and shared growth,” said a senior delegate from the Pakistani side.
The expo was equally well-received by members of the Pakistani diaspora and Bahraini business leaders, who welcomed the initiative as a platform for sustainable cross-border cooperation. With its success, organizers announced plans to make the summit a recurring event, aiming to establish a long-term forum for dialogue, investment, and economic integration.
Beyond financial deals, the summit symbolized a broader commitment to regional economic collaboration, as both nations explore synergies in trade, innovation, and development.
