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: The inflation rate in Pakistan has fallen to 4.1% in December 2024, marking the lowest level in 80 months, or since April 2018.
This sharp decline comes after the inflation rate for the first half of the financial year 2025 was recorded at 7.2%, a significant drop from the 28.8% registered during the same period last year, the Finance Ministry announced today.
In a statement, the Finance Ministry attributed the drop in inflation to a combination of factors, including exchange rate stability, strict financial discipline, and improvements in supply chains.
Moreover, the government’s crackdown on illegal foreign exchange companies, smuggling, and hoarding has been crucial in curbing inflation.
The ministry further stated that the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), which tracks the prices of essential goods, showed a consistent decline in the last four weeks of January 2025.
The SPI decreased by 0.77% in the week ending January 23, with 12 out of 51 items experiencing a price reduction. Notably, 14 items saw price hikes, while 25 items remained stable.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had previously expressed concerns over the surge in prices of pulses and poultry in November.
Following government intervention, prices of essential commodities were brought down. For instance, the price of gram dal fell by Rs 52.5 per kg, while dal mash dropped by Rs 37.4 per kg. Poultry prices also saw a decrease of Rs 20.1 per kg, and the price of a 20 kg bag of flour was reduced by Rs 1,022.2.
In recent weeks, prices of tomatoes, potatoes, pulses, eggs, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have also shown significant reductions, contributing further to the easing of inflationary pressures.
According to the latest data released by the Bureau of Statistics, the government’s proactive policy measures, along with administrative and relief actions, have played a key role in controlling inflation and providing much-needed relief to consumers.
The Finance Ministry’s statement concluded that these efforts are expected to continue to stabilize prices in the coming months, further alleviating the financial burden on households.
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