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, 19 Feb (APP): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday said that the national flag carrier was ready to offer its services to bring back Pakistani prisoners who are being released by Saudi Arabia.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s order yesterday to release over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners languishing in Saudi jails.
He said that the airline’s administration was waiting for the government to take action and issue orders in this regard, and added that “PIA is ready to offer its services to bring back its fellow Pakistanis”.
On Monday, Prince Mohammed had announced during his trip to Islamabad that the kingdom, at Prime Minister Imran Khan’s request, would release 2,107 Pakistani prisoners.
Beijing-Islamabad round trip fares slashes
Separately today, PIA announced a significant reduction in airfares for both economy and business class seats in flights along the Beijing-Islamabad-Beijing route.
“Passengers can now buy return economy class tickets for 3,620 Chinese Yuan, and business class tickets for 8,039 Chinese Yuan,” PIA Country Manager to China Nasir Jamal Malik told APP.
The airline is also offering special packages to passengers who will be travelling in groups to join members of the workforce on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Pakistan.
The airline will also be serving “delicious Chinese meals onboard the aircraft”, Malik announced.
The official said that the national flag carrier was actively participating in the CPEC framework and was extending complete support and services to its “valued Chinese travellers”.
He added that PIA’s fare was lower as compared to other regional airlines operating from China to Pakistan, including Air China. The country manager said that PIA was operating two direct flights a week on the Beijing-Islamabad-Beijing route on Monday and Friday with on-time departure from the Chinese capital.
The country manager said that currently Air China and China Southern are operating flights from Beijing to Islamabad and Guangzhou to Lahore, respectively.
PIA is also offering a discount to Pakistani students in China, Malik said, adding that over 22,000 people are benefiting from the offer.
Responding to a question, he said that PIA was the only airline that allowed passengers to carry 40 kilograms of baggage on direct flights between China and Pakistan.
