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: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has annonced the resumption of its flight operations for Muscat from Lahore and Islamabad with effect from October 28 and 30, 2025, respectively, reported a national private news channel on Monday
According to details, the PIA will use an Airbus A320 aircraft for the flight operations. Flight operation from Lahore to Muscat will be resumed from October 28, 2025, and from Islamabad to Muscat from October 30, 2025.
PIA will operate one flight between Lahore and Muscat. Earlier, Pakistan International Airlines announced it to begin its first phase of flight operations from Islamabad to Manchester from October 25. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson stated that the flights to London will be added to the operations in the second phase.
“Our compatriots will now reach their destination in just eight hours, instead of a 15-hour journey,” said the spokesperson. “After a gap of five years, PIA is very enthusiastic about restarting this route,” the spokesperson added. The PIA flight will depart Islamabad at 12.00 pm and arrive in Manchester at 5.00 pm local time. Whereas the return flight will depart Manchester at 7.00 pm and arrive in Islamabad at 7.00 am the next day.
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