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.DUBAI: Pakistan has issued a strong warning that it will not play further matches in the Asia Cup 2025 unless match referee Andy Pycroft is removed.
The move comes after controversy during the high-voltage fixture against India in Dubai, where Pakistan protested the referee’s conduct.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written formally to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), arguing that Pycroft’s actions violated the spirit of the game and the ICC Code of Conduct.
Sources confirmed that PCB has communicated to ICC and the tournament director that Pakistan will not continue in the event without a change of referee. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also expressed regret over the incident, stressing that the referee’s conduct was against the spirit of cricket.
The board has demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal, pointing out that his decision to prevent both captains from shaking hands after the toss was a breach of sportsmanship traditions.
In addition, PCB suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, over delayed response in drafting the protest letter.
Mohsin Naqvi wrote on social media that for him, nothing is above the dignity and honour of Pakistan.
Former cricketers also weighed in. Ex-Test opener Taufeeq Umar criticized India’s conduct, urging the team to show sportsmanship, while fast bowler Mohammad Irfan said politics should not be brought into cricket. Both urged ICC to take strict action.
On the field, India handed a 7-wicket defeat Pakistan in their group-stage encounter at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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