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.Chairman, PEMRA Muhammad Saleem Baig, today visited Regional Office Lahore.The Regional General Manager Lahore, Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo gave briefing about the operational activities, licensing and enforcement in Lahore Region. Chairman PEMRA was also briefed on the ongoing crackdown being carried out by PEMRA Field Staff in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies against the illegal Indian DTH in the country.
The Chairman stressed upon making the regional setup more vibrant and fully available to the genuine demands of the stakeholders and asked to ensure firm compliance of PEMRA laws and Code of Conduct in polite but effective manner. He asked strict compliance of the orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding complete ban on Indian content and appreciated the role played by Cable TV Operators and TV Channels in this regard.
During visit, the Chairman also held meeting with the representatives of the cable operators of Lahore who briefed him about the steps taken by the cable operators towards digitalization. Chairman PEMRA asked them to strictly comply with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme court of Pakistan with regards toIndian content and asked them to operate within the legal ambit. He assured to address all the fair demands of Cable TV Operators to make the industry flourish.
While meeting with the delegation of traders/importers and major venders of electronic media equipment of Hall Road Lahore, he assured them to resolve their genuine issues pertaining to import of electronic media related equipment on priority basis.
