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.WASHINGTON DC: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden visit to the United States can potentially improve the ties between the two strategic allies, Pakistan and US, according to President Donald Trump’s administration.
PM Imran reached the United Stated on a three-day official visit on Sunday.
The PM is flanked by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and Finance Secretary Abdul Razzaq Dawood.
The Trump administration stated that the Pakistani PM’s visit will create stable partnership between the two countries and strengthen ties.
PM Imran Khan will also meet the interim chief and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank’s President David Malpass.
Prime Minister Imran Khan during his three-day visit is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on July 22. According to the White House, PM Imran’s visit will focus on strengthening cooperation between the United States and Pakistan to bring peace, stability, and economic prosperity to a region that has seen far too much conflict.
The two leaders would discuss several issues during their meeting, including “counterterrorism, defence, energy, and trade, with the goal of creating the conditions for a peaceful South Asia and an enduring partnership between our two countries.
A Pakistan Business Summit was also slated to be held after the community event, wherein the Pakistani-American community, as well as other businesspersons in the US, would participate.
