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.KARACHI: Former President and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari while stressing the need to over throw government said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will keep attacking the government in every possible way.
According to sources in Bilawal House, the former president said this while talking to party leadership of Punjab. He clarified that PDM is united, there is no difference between opposition parties.
Asif Ali Zardari said that the incompetence of clumsy rulers could lead to a major incident in the country. The PDM will gradually use all options to get rid of the government.
He said that next few months are very important for the future of national politics. The rulers will no longer be allowed to hide behind Coronavirus.
Government could not buy vaccine or help people during Coronavirus apart from the Benazir Income Support Program, he said.
The former president said that despite the global economic crisis of 2008, we increased exports, doubled the country s revenue, increased the salaries of employees by 125 per cent and increased the pensions of government employees by 100 percent.
He said that clumsy rulers have turned all indicators of the country negative today. I have already said that these selected rulers will fall under their own weight.
Now that they have fallen, one last push is needed. Together with the PDM, the PPP will send this failed and incompetent gang home.
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