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.KARACHI: In a major economic milestone, Pakistan has emerged as the top-performing market in the Global Emerging Market (EM) Rankings for reducing sovereign credit risk, according to a new Bloomberg Intelligence report.
Over the past 12 months, Pakistan recorded the largest drop in sovereign default risk worldwide, measured through Credit Default Swaps (CDS), highlighting improved creditworthiness and economic stability.
The CDS-implied probability of default has decreased significantly, positioning Pakistan at the forefront of the global EM pack.
While Bloomberg’s terminal data isn’t widely accessible, the report was shared by Finance Minister’s adviser Khurram Schehzad on social media platform X, sparking optimism within the financial community.
Schehzad wrote, “As per the latest data posted by Bloomberg Intelligence, Pakistan stands out globally as the most improved economy in terms of reduction in sovereign default risk, as measured by CDS-implied probability.” He added, “This is a resounding signal to global investors: Pakistan is not only back on the map it is moving forward with stability, credibility, and reform at its core.”
According to the report, Pakistan’s default probability fell from 59% to 47%, marking an 1,100 basis point improvement sharper than reductions seen in Argentina (7%), Tunisia (4%), and Nigeria (5%). In contrast, countries like Turkey, Ecuador, Egypt, and Gabon saw increases in their risk levels.
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