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: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued fresh and detailed weather forecast for Tuesday, warning of widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers in multiple regions, including Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
While parts of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather, several areas are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall during the forecast period.
The PMD has cautioned that tonight and on July 22, intense rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs and streams. This risk is particularly high in northern and hilly regions such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, as well as in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, northeastern Punjab, and Kashmir.
Heavy downpours could also trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Nowshera, and Peshawar.
Additionally, the risk of landslides and mudslides looms large over vulnerable hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The PMD has also warned that strong winds, intense rainfall, and lightning may damage weak structures such as kacha houses, billboards, solar panels, electric poles, and vehicles during this period.
In Islamabad, partly cloudy and humid conditions are expected to prevail, with rain and thundershowers likely. The probability of rainfall is estimated at 80 percent, and heavy falls are also possible.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershowers is expected at isolated places, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Shangla, Malakand, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Bajaur, Mardan, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely, while other parts of the province will remain hot and humid.
In Punjab, most districts are likely to witness partly cloudy and humid weather. However, rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in several areas including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Attock, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Layyah, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan, Kot Addu, and Taunsa Sharif. Isolated heavyfalls are also expected during this period.
In Sindh, most parts will experience hot and humid conditions. However, rain-wind/thundershowers are forecast for Karachi, Thatta, and Hyderabad. In Balochistan, similar hot and humid weather will dominate, although rain-wind/thundershowers are likely at isolated locations such as Barkhan, Kohlu, Musakhel, Loralai, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela, and surrounding areas.
In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, partly cloudy skies with isolated rain-thundershowers are expected. A few areas in Kashmir may receive heavy rainfall.
The public is advised to stay updated with weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property.
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