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.SWAT: Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam, revealed that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province was vital for the sustainable progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Addressing a function hosted in honor of Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, here at Malam Jabba, Engr Amir Muqam said that the people of KP had rendered great sacrifices for the country, and special focus should be placed on the socioeconomic empowerment of its youth, which is imperative for the lasting peace and economic prosperity of the province.
He said that the country’s overall stability and prosperity were linked to the peace of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Engr Amir Muqam emphasized that terrorism was one of the major challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and collective efforts were required to completely wipe out this menace.
He mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had accorded the highest priority to the socioeconomic empowerment of youth, and the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative had provided an excellent opportunity for youth to contribute to the country’s development.
Muqam said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were eagerly awaiting the visits of PML-N central leadership to the province.
He added that whenever a difficult situation arose in Pakistan, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood like a solid rock in defense of the country.
Engr Amir Muqam noted that due to the sacrifices of the people of Swat, terrorism had been defeated in the Malakand Division, and the national flag was hoisted at the top.
The minister recalled that he had faced several terror attacks in the past with steadfastness and always raised his voice against terrorism.
He further said that when then-Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was disqualified, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa staged large protest rallies to express solidarity with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. He emphasized that the PML-N leadership faced all the cases in court and was later acquitted after the allegations against them were proven incorrect.
He added that the courts would decide the cases involving the PTI founder, not the negotiation committee.
Amir Muqam pointed out that in the 2024 general elections, PML-N emerged as the second-largest political party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and his party currently holds an important position as the opposition leader in the KP Assembly.
He mentioned that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had also voted in favor of Pakistan during the 1947 referendum.
Engr Amir Muqam also criticized the PTI for deceiving the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the third time in the name of so-called “change.” He stated that the problems of the masses had significantly increased due to poor governance, rampant corruption, and the use of financial resources for agitation politics.
He suggested that the share of the NFC award allocated to KP could have been better utilized for the welfare of the people, strengthening the counter-terrorism department, and improving the police force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, instead of launching attacks on Islamabad.
He remarked that PTI’s agenda was not focused on the welfare of the masses, but rather on personal interests. He stressed that PML-N was the only party capable of providing a tough challenge to PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Muqam highlighted that Pakistan was making rapid progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who had significantly improved the country’s image on the international front in a short time.
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