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: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting to review the loss of life and property caused by the recent monsoon in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister expressed deep regret over the casualties and damages resulting from the current monsoon season, particularly in the northern regions, and confirmed that the federal government stood in full solidarity with the affected administrations and citizens.
During the meeting, the prime minister directed immediate relief operations in the impacted areas and announced an upcoming visit to Gilgit-Baltistan to express support for the local population. He confirmed that a financial relief package would be provided by the federal government to address the losses.
The prime minister instructed all relevant federal agencies to work jointly with the administrations of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to assess the extent of the damage. He also issued a directive to strengthen the Meteorological Department’s early warning system on an emergency basis and prioritise road restoration efforts.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed the meeting, reporting that the ongoing monsoon season had claimed 295 lives across the country and left over 700 individuals injured. More than 1,600 homes had been completely destroyed and 376 livestock lost.
According to the briefing, the recent rainfall had caused severe flooding in rivers and streams. Low-level flooding was expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa and Kalabagh, while medium-level flooding was likely at Head Marala and Guddu on the River Chenab.
The NDMA warned that the monsoon could intensify by the end of August and confirmed that precautionary arrangements were under way.
Meanwhile, the prime minister directed that rescue operations in affected areas must prioritize the prevention of further loss of life and property. He stressed the importance of repairing communication routes and restoring infrastructure in coordination with local and federal authorities.
Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Chairman of the NDMA, delivered the detailed briefing. The meeting was attended by Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik; Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and senior
Read more: Trump Hits Dozens Countries With Steep Tariffs; 19% For Pakistani Goods
