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.
RAWALPINDI : Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said Pakistan will never leave its Kashmiri brethren and their cause alone and will keep fighting for them.
Addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, COAS Bajwa said Pakistan will keep fighting for the cause of Kashmiris till the last bullet and soldier.
“Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein and we will never abandon our Kashmiri brethren,” he added.
Calling on the international community to play its part, COAS Bajwa said Pakistan gives the message of peace and today there is an atmosphere of peace in the country. “Pakistan has fulfilled its responsibilities in the war on terrorism and now the responsibility rests with the rest of the world to play its part.”
“A peaceful and strong Pakistan is our destination and we are steadfastly moving towards that end,” COAS Bajwa said, adding the country’s armed forces ensured the security of the motherland by rendering sacrifices both in the conventional war and the fight against terrorism.
Pointing out that Pakistan registered unparalleled successes in the war against terrorism, COAS Bajwa said, “Our soldiers stood like a rock wall in the war against terrorists and foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy. They sacrificed their today for our better tomorrow.”
The Army Chief said our fight now is against poverty, unemployment and economic backwardness following successfully confronting the menace of terrorism.
Paying tributes to the martyrs and ghazis, the Army Chief said the entire nation is proud of their courage and resolve. “These sacrifices and courage and resolve of the entire nation is the guarantee of bright future of Pakistan,” he added.
Voicing serious concerns about the Indian occupied Kashmir, General Bajwa said the prevailing situation in the valley and said the Kashmiri population is the victim of the oppression and tyranny of India’s Hindutava government.
State terrorism is on the surge in the held valley, COAS asserted.
The Army Chief categorically stated that Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of the completion of Pakistan and it will remain so until the outstanding dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.
He assured the Kashmiri people that Pakistan will not leave them alone or at the mercy of circumstances. “The hearts of both Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together.”
Turning to the situation in Afghanistan, General Bajwa said Pakistan will continue with its complete cooperation in the ongoing Afghan reconciliation process reflects our mindset.
“Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Due to intense diplomatic efforts of the last few months, the destiny of peace appears to be very close in Afghanistan,” COAS said.
He added Pakistan will continue to extend its cooperation for a successful conclusion of this process as peace in Afghanistan guarantees peace in Pakistan.
Earlier, the Army Chief laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument.
Bereaved families of the martyrs were invited to attend the main ceremony.
This year marks the 54th anniversary of the 1965 war with India when the Pakistani forces repelled Indian attacks on Pakistani soil despite being heavily outnumbered. Defence Day is celebrated to pay glowing tribute to the martyrs of that war.
Celebrations kicked-off with a 31-gun salute in memory of the martyrs in capital Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all the provincial capitals. Offices throughout the country will be closed by 3pm to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people. INP)
