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: Ghazi University (GU), Dera Ghazi Khan, and TANG Chinese International Education & Technology (Pvt.) Ltd. (TANG Pakistan) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote Chinese language learning, cultural exchange, and academic cooperation.
The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at TANG House in Islamabad, held, marking a new chapter in China–Pakistan educational collaboration, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of GU, and Mr. Song Jianying, CEO of TANG Pakistan. Senior representatives from both sides, including Dr. Sagheer Atta, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), and Mubeel Nasir, Regional Head of TANG Pakistan, attended the event.
Under the MoU, the two sides will collaborate on China–Pakistan joint education programs under the CCTE Mode, offer Chinese language demonstration courses through the TANG Cloud Platform, and organize faculty and student exchange programs.
They also plan to hold joint academic symposia and conferences to deepen scholarly engagement. The partnership underscores GU’s commitment to academic internationalization and aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation under the China–Pakistan framework.
Also read: Meta and PTA Launch Online Anti-Scam Drive in Pakistan
