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.TAUNSA SHARIF: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that Saudi Arabia had always supported Pakistan and its people through thick and thin.
The prime minister’s appreciation about the friendly country’s support came a day after PTI founder’s spouse Bushra Bibi’s video message (about Imran Khan’s Medina visit and alleged calls from foreign authorities to Bajwa) went viral.
Addressing the ceremony of Kachhi Canal revival, the prime minister, without naming Bushra Bibi, went all lengths explaining the supportive role Saudi Arabia had all along played for Pakistan “without asking for anything in return”.
Therefore, he made it clear, the comment made yesterday (on Thursday) was the biggest example of “anti-Pakistan sentiment”.
He hastened to add that the nation would always reject the elements who caused mistrust in the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Referring to the canal project, he said that during the tenure of retired Gen Pervez Musharraf, it was ignored. It’s the PML-N government, he said, which completed the project when it came to power in 2008. “And the credit for that goes to Nawaz Sharif”.
The premier said the 2022 flood wreaked havoc on the canal which required reconstruction and after that tragedy, Ahsan Iqbal and the Wapda chief spearheaded the efforts to reconstruct the canal.
Yesterday, PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi’s allegation about Saudi Arabia’s role in the PTI government’s ouster raised eyebrows.
Bushra Bibi claimed on Thursday that after Imran Khan returned barefoot from Medina, “calls began pouring in for retired Gen Bajwa, questioning the choice of bringing him into leadership.”
In a video message posted on X, Bushra Bibi said former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was told, “Who have you brought? We don’t want such individuals. We are working to end Shariah, and you have brought someone advocating for it.”
She added that since then, baseless propaganda was launched against them, including accusations against her and labelling Imran Khan a “Jewish agent”.
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