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: The twin sisters Manisha Ali and Maliha Ali have made Pakistan proud by winning gold and bronze medals in the 6th Asian Taekwondo Championship held in Indonesia.
The two gifted individuals are students of Lahore Garrison University, and they performed exceptionally well in the international arena. Manisha Ali won the gold medal in the over 73kg category, showing great skill and determination. Her sister, Maliha Ali, had won a bronze medal in the 73kg category earlier.
Both sisters belong to Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan and are pursuing their studies under a special programme at Lahore Garrison University.
The 16-member Pakistani team is already participating in the 6th Asian Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship being held between 15-18 October at the Indore Stadium Sports Centre in Tangerang, Indonesia. The event has attracted over 275 athletes across Asia, with countries like India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, and the host nation Indonesia participating.
The Pakistan team in the men categories will be represented by Haroon Khan (-58kg), Numan Khan (-63kg), Saud Alam (-63kg), Muhammad Arbaz Khan (-68kg), Mazhar Abbas (-80kg), Ikhtsham-ul-Haq (-87kg), and Hamza Omar Saeed (+87kg). The female team consists of Noor Rahman (-57kg), Maliha Ali (-73kg), and Manisha Ali (+73kg).
Lieutenant Colonel Zeeshan Aslam is leading the team with Master Yusuf Karami as the head coach. The team manager is Syed Sadaqat Hussain, and Faisal Nadeem Butt is the physiotherapist.
The success of Manisha and Maliha has been hailed as a national pride, especially as they still represent Pakistan in the international arena with pride.
