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: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has reveled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had responded positively to the party’s demands in line with the seminaries’ issue.
Speaking to media following his meeting with PM Shehbaz, Rehman said, “The bill in line with the seminaries was approved from the parliament. We held the talks with the premier in this regard.”
“We made it clear to the premier to make a decision over the situation that was created pertaining to the bill,” said Rehman.
“I have also informed Mufti Taqi Usmani about this meeting with the prime minister. It was due to the trust of Mufti Taqi Usmani that I hold meeting with the premier,” said Rehman.
Rehman said: “The JUI-F delegation had accompanied us during our meeting with the prime minister. During the meeting, we were given a response in a positive way in line with the seminaries.”
“The prime minister had asked the law ministry to take the steps in this regard in line with the law. Hopefully practical steps will be taken that will meet up our demands,” said Rehman.
He said: “I hope that we will get good news in this regard within two days. Our demands were in line with the law and constitution, hopefully which will be accepted.”
“Today our topic of discussion was merely the seminaries’ issue. Maybe there will be no need to convene the joint session of the parliament,” said Rehman.
Meanwhile, during a meeting with Rehman, the premier had urged the need to address the matters in line with the seminaries immediately.
“The law ministry will take steps to resolve the issues in line with the law and constitution,” said the JUI-F chief.
Prominent among those who attended the meeting were Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Kamran Murtaza, Raza Pervaiz Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and the attorney general.
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