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 has called on all Libyan parties to keep up momentum and resolve outstanding issues through meaningful dialogue, stressing that unity and institutional coherence are essential for long-term peace in the country.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in New York, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that sustainable peace in Libya depends on holding free, fair, and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections.
Ambassador Jadoon urged the Advisory Committee to chart a clear roadmap for elections and emphasized that the political reconciliation process must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. He highlighted the importance of sharing national resources fairly and ensuring peace dividends reach all Libyan citizens.
Addressing the deteriorating security situation, marked by ongoing conflicts over territorial control, Jadoon stressed the need for a comprehensive peace-building and reconciliation strategy developed in consultation with all relevant Libyan stakeholders.
He welcomed the progress made by the Advisory Committee in identifying key electoral challenges and exploring solutions, noting that reactions to the new political roadmap were mostly positive during the UN Special Representative’s recent consultations with Libyan groups.
Ambassador Jadoon also praised the High National Election Commission’s preparations for the second phase of municipal council elections in 63 municipalities, calling it a “welcome development” that can help build momentum toward national polls.
On the economic front, he said that reaching an early agreement on a unified national budget would benefit the Libyan people and improve governance. He called for a consultative approach to break the current deadlock.
Jadoon further emphasized that Libya’s frozen assets abroad must be protected and eventually reinvested for the exclusive benefit of its people.
He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s continued support for Libya’s journey toward peace, development, and prosperity.
