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 welcomes the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution, adopted yesterday, demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
At weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan also welcomes the resolution, demanding removal of restrictions against UNRWA and its aid operations in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Spokesperson said we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine, end to genocide in Gaza, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, unrestricted humanitarian access to those who are in need, full support to UNRWA and its mandated humanitarian activities, and healthcare to those who are in urgent need.
The Spokesperson added we also urge the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied territories.
Turning to prevailing situation in Syria, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan is following the developments in Syria and is concerned about escalation of violence.
She said the government of Pakistan has always supported the efforts, aimed at finding the comprehensive solution to the crisis in Syria. We express our full support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.
The Spokesperson said we believe that any solution to the situation in Syria should correspond to the aspiration of Syrian people for their security, stability and development.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan believes that it is the right of the people of Syria to determine their future and make decisions about their destiny.
She said we also support efforts to establish inclusive political process based on resolution 2254, which was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council.
The Spokesperson said we believe that no foreign interference or external imposition should determine Syria’s future.
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