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.MOSCOW: Pakistan Envoy to Russia Khalid Jamali has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir to eliminate the root causes of escalating tensions in the region.
“I believe that the root cause of the problem in [Indian] Jammu and Kashmir is the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people, which was promised to them by the international community through various UN Security Council resolutions.
This needs to be addressed for a permanent, sustainable and durable peace,” he said in an interview with TASS, the Russian state-owned news agency, published on Monday.
Asked whether Pakistan was approaching Russia to take part in the investigation into the attack in Pahalgam, the ambassador said, “We are open [to it]. We want this investigation to be conducted and this blame game to stop.”
“There are incidents from time to time, and without addressing the root causes, Pakistan is blamed for this,” Jamali pointed out. He recalled that in connection with the Ukraine conflict, Russia has also always pointed to the need to address the root causes.
He said that when political disputes continue for a long time, resentment arises and such incidents are likely to occur. It’s always very easy to blame and make someone a scapegoat,” he commented.
He told the interviewer that Islamabad was in constant contact with Moscow on the issue of settlement between Pakistan and India.
“We are already in touch with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the last meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Astana last year, we have had many exchanges of visits.
There is no need to go into details, but in the last month alone, we have had at least four high-level [visits], from Russia to Pakistan and from Pakistan to Russia, respectively,” he said.
The ambassador pointed out that consultations have not been interrupted. “And we consider Russia an important player in international politics. We have very good relations with Russia at the moment, and we continue to consult on many issues,” the diplomat added.
To a question, the ambassador said that Russia provided sufficient security to Pakistan’s embassy in Moscow. “I think the Russian people and Russia are very hospitable. And we are very satisfied with the arrangements that we have. According to the Vienna Convention, the Russian side provides us with sufficient security,” he added.
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