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 commemorated ‘Operation Swift Retort; the downing of Indian fighter aircraft that tried to enter into Pakistani soil.
The country’s senior leadership lauded the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces a year after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) downed at least one Indian jet amidst a tense standoff with India.
In February last year, Indian Wg Cmdr Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 plane was shot down in a fight over Azad Jammu Kashmir, during an aerial battle which brought nuclear-armed India and Pakistan to the brink of a new war.
Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the gathering, praising the Pakistani nation for dealing with the crisis sensibly.
“Our media showed maturity, if you contrast it to what was happening in India and how their media and politicians reacted,” said the premier regarding the incident.
Recalling the political situation back then, PM Imran said that Pakistan knew that India would resort to some action after the Pulwama bombing that killed 40 paramilitary troops.
He recalled that intelligence reports had apprised him of the situation and that the country was “ready for anything” at that time.
Referring to the ongoing violence in New Delhi against Muslims, he said the incumbent Indian government’s measures will push India towards destruction and will prove harmful for the region.
The prime minister appealed to the international community to intervene, noting that he has been apprising the global community regarding the atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir since last year.
Earlier, FM Qureshi in his speech said; “My first message to our eastern neighbour is that do not think of any ill-considered misadventure, because if you do, we will respond and respond immediately, as it is our right to self-defence,” he said while lauding the PAF.
Reiterating Pakistan’s inclination towards regional peace, the foreign minister said that the country wants peaceful relations with its neighbours.
Speaking on the ongoing Afghan peace process, the foreign minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is always of the view that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.
FM Qureshi said that Pakistan facilitated the peace process in Afghanistan and is being recognised for it now.
“Pakistan is a strong advocate for an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue as soon as the peace agreement is signed in Doha,” he added.
FM Qureshi slammed India, noting that it has imposed restrictions in Kashmir claiming it to be an internal matter.
He pointed out that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had negated this notion during a recent visit to Islamabad.
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