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.BANNU: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need of early repatriation of Afghan nationals and stated that Afghans are involved in recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan which makes their early repatriation inevitable.
According to security sources, the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu, where they attended a high-level meeting on terrorism and security matters.
Sources further confirmed that both leaders also took part in the funeral prayers of 12 soldiers who were martyred during the South Waziristan operation.
Speaking on the occasion, premier Shehbaz Sharif said that terrorism would continue to be met with a strong response, leaving no room for ambiguity. He stated that the ringleaders and facilitators of terrorists operating in Pakistan are based in Afghanistan and are being supported by India.
The premier remarked that Afghanistan has been clearly told to make a choice between harbouring foreign elements or fostering relations with Pakistan. He stressed that Afghan nationals illegally residing in the country must be repatriated at the earliest, as their involvement in crossing the border to carry out terror attacks cannot be ignored.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the Pakistani nation rejects divisive politics and misleading narratives on terrorism. He warned that anyone facilitating foreign actors and Indian-backed terror proxies would be dealt with firmly.
He also stated that the resilient people of Pakistan, particularly those of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stand united with the state and armed forces like a solid wall against such proxies.
Any necessary administrative and legal measures required to respond more effectively to terrorism would be implemented without delay, he added.
Security officials reported that the prime minister and Field Marshal also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Bannu to inquire after the injured. Meanwhile, the Corps Commander in Peshawar briefed them in detail about the security situation in the region. The prime minister was formally received by the top military commander upon arrival at the Bannu cantonment.
Read more: 12 Soldiers Martyred, 35 Terrorists Killed In KP Operations
