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: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commenced policy-level discussions on the next tranche of the $7 billion loan program, with the review set to continue until March 14.
According to officials from the Ministry of Finance, the IMF delegation will assess the country’s progress in implementing economic reforms under the program’s conditions.
The discussions will also include consultations on budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year, with a particular focus on taxation and energy sector reforms.
Sources indicate that the IMF has put forth several taxation measures, including a Rs 2.80 per unit surcharge on electricity bills and the imposition of carbon tax on petrol and diesel.
In an alternative proposal, the Fund has suggested increasing the petroleum levy from Rs 60 to Rs 70 per litre. Additionally, a carbon levy on coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers is under consideration.
These measures are part of broader fiscal adjustments aimed at addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges, particularly in the energy sector, which remains burdened by mounting circular debt.
As part of the negotiations, the privatization process of state-owned enterprises, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will also be reviewed.
The government has already secured an agreement to take a Rs 1,250 billion loan from commercial banks at a 10.8% interest rate to control the circular debt in the energy sector.
Additionally, the IMF has rejected a proposal to extend the winter relief package for the industrial and agricultural sectors and has urged the government to implement gas tariff adjustments for captive power plants.
Earlier, the IMF had also turned down a proposal to abolish the General Sales Tax (GST) on electricity bills, a move that had been intended to provide relief to consumers amid rising power costs.
To broaden the tax net, the government plans to collect Rs 250 billion in taxes from various sectors, including retail, through a combination of trader-friendly schemes, compliance risk management, and administrative measures. Proposals for tax relief in real estate, property, beverage, and tobacco sectors are also being discussed, with IMF’s approval required before implementation.
Additionally, there is a proposal to reduce the tax burden on the salaried class in the next budget, which, if approved, could provide some relief to middle-income groups.
Despite these stringent conditions, officials at the Finance Ministry remain optimistic about a successful outcome from the negotiations. They believe that securing the next $1 billion tranche from the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) will boost industrial activities and generate employment opportunities.
If the negotiations proceed smoothly and Pakistan meets the IMF’s conditions, the final approval for the next tranche will be granted by the Fund’s Executive Board. The ongoing talks hold significant implications f
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