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.
QUETTA: Pakistan on Monday identified two more Indian spies actively involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan.
According to details, both of the spies, namely Swami Asemanand and Goband Part, sneaked into Pakistan from Iran
The two were involved in a criminal activity in the Mastung area of Balochistan before fleeing to Afghanistan.
Pakistan has shared details with Iran and Afghanistan regarding the Indian spies, and also penned a letter to the authorities in the two countries.
Indian involvement in sabotaging peace in Pakistan was confirmed when Naval Commander Kulbhushan Jhadav was arrested in the country back in 2016.
Jhadav admitted to have been involved in several terrorist activities in Balochistan and Karachi. He is currently in jail after a military court gave him the death penalty.
Earlier this year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that India’s submission pertaining to the acquittal and release of Kulbhushan Jadhav could not be upheld.
Read more: Four soldiers martyred near Pak-Afghan border: ISPR
According to the ICJ, the conviction and sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav were not to be regarded as a violation of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention.
“As regards India’s claim based on the Vienna Convention, the Court considers that it is not the conviction and sentence of Mr. Jadhav which are to be regarded as a violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention,” read the verdict.
The ICJ allowed India consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav and called on Pakistan to review and reconsider his conviction and sentence. Pakistan subsequently provided Indian consular access to the convicted spy. (INP)
