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 on Saturday left for Tianjin on an official visit to China and the premier is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser Tarq Fatemi during the trip.
The visit carries strong diplomatic and economic significance for Pakistan as it seeks to deepen ties with China and regional partners.
The premier will attend and address the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where he is expected to present Pakistan’s position on peace efforts, regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the challenges posed by climate change.
He will also hold sideline meetings with world leaders, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as an active voice for regional cooperation and stability.
Following the SCO sessions, the PM will travel to Beijing, where he will join the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance.
In Beijing, Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. These discussions will focus on strengthening the Pakistan-China strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
A major focus of the visit will be economic diplomacy. The Prime Minister will chair the second Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference and meet with heads of leading Chinese companies.
He will invite investors to take advantage of Pakistan’s pro-business policies, emphasizing opportunities in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Ahead of the summit, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its “iron friendship” with China, calling it a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the region.
Speaking on CGTN’s Global South Voices, Dar highlighted the SCO as a vital platform for security, trade, energy, and connectivity, noting that its role has become increasingly important in today’s multipolar world.
Read more: Massive Flood-wave Heads Toward Southern Punjab, Thousands Flee Homes
