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.PESHAWAR: Despite the government’s ban on Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)’s rally in Peshawar on Sunday, preparations are in full swing and near completion. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto and other leaders will address the rally.
The city administration has not allowed PDM to hold the rally, citing concerns of growing coronavirus cases, but the PDM leadership has gone ahead with its preparations for the rally at Kabutar Chowk. Some 50,000 chairs and a 120-ft long, 32-ft wide and 8-ft high stage will be set up for the rally.
Containers have already arrived at the venue where workers of different political parties were busy hoisting their respective flags. Local leaders of political parties also distributed masks among the workers.
More than 4,000 police officers will be on duty for the PDM rally in Peshawar, while JUI-F’s Ansar-ul-Islam will also be deployed to maintain order.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized the opposition and tweeted, “the same PDM members who had wanted a strict lockdown and criticized me earlier now playing reckless politics with people’s safety. They are even defying court orders and holding a jalsa when cases are rising dramatically.”
Responding to the criticism, Head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that despite the illegitimate government’s efforts, PDM will hold its rally in Peshawar at all costs. He said that Sunday’s historic rally will leave the PTI government bamboozled.
