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.SEOUL: Pakistan delivered a stunning performance to crush Korea 91-6 in their third league match of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025, held at Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium, Jeonju-si, South Korea on Sunday.
Pakistan dominated the entire match, leading each quarter with overwhelming margins:
1st Quarter: Pakistan 23 – Korea 2
2nd Quarter: Pakistan 45 – Korea 3
3rd Quarter: Pakistan 70 – Korea 4
4th Quarter: Pakistan 91 – Korea 6
Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed, and Alina showcased outstanding skills throughout the match, contributing to Pakistan’s massive win.
Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation, Mudassar Arain, President Sameen Malik and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz congratulated the national team on their emphatic victory.
With this third consecutive win, Pakistan solidified their position at the top of Pool-B. The Green Shirts will next face Japan in their fourth group match on Monday (June 30), followed by their final league game against Maldives on July 1.
The championship features eleven teams divided into two groups. Group-A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and India. Group-B comprises Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia.
Organized under the auspices of the Asian Netball Federation, the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 is being held from June 27 to July 4.
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