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 will host its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in Islamabad on April 29-30, a historic initiative jointly organized by the Government of Pakistan and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
The event, which has been described as a turning point for Pakistan’s digital future, is being supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The Forum aims to attract international investment, promote digital innovation, and bolster the country’s ambitions of achieving $60 billion in digital economic output by 2030.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by DCO Secretary General Deemah AlYahya, who expressed optimism about Pakistan’s growing potential in the global digital space. “Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, powered by its youthful population and strategic geographic location, is a promising destination for foreign digital investors,” she said in a statement.
According to the organizers, the two-day forum is expected to draw participation from over 500 global investors, industry leaders, and technology experts. Their involvement is seen as a major endorsement of Pakistan’s digital potential and is expected to catalyse new investments in sectors such as Fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Agritech.
More than 75 startups from across Pakistan will also showcase their ventures at the event, seeking partnerships, funding, and global exposure. The presence of such a wide range of innovation-driven enterprises underscores the country’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Officials said the forum will highlight Pakistan’s strengths, including a youthful population, increasing internet penetration, and rapid digital adoption, positioning the country as an emerging hub for digital transformation and innovation.
“This Forum is not just about investment—it’s about building long-term partnerships, transferring knowledge, and opening new pathways for sustainable development through technology,” said a senior official associated with the SIFC.
Observers note that Pakistan’s collaboration with the DCO, a multilateral organization focused on advancing digital prosperity, is a strategic move aimed at leveraging global expertise and expanding access to new markets.
The Forum comes at a time when the government is doubling down on digital policy reforms, fintech regulations, and startup facilitation measures to ensure an enabling environment for international investors.
With an eye on long-term stability and inclusive growth, policymakers believe that digital FDI can pave the way for a more resilient and knowledge-based economy, unlocking opportunities for job creation, innovation, and export expansion.
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