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.NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session today (Tuesday).
The prime minister traveled to the US after completing his visit to the United Kingdom. During his stay, he is scheduled to deliver a key address at the UN General Assembly.
In addition to participating in the high-level UN session, PM Shehbaz is expected to meet US President Donald Trump alongside other Muslim leaders.
Following his engagements in New York, Shehbaz Sharif is expected to return to London, where a meeting with his elder brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is also anticipated.
According to Foreign Office, the prime minister’s speech will draw global attention to the situations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine—particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He will call for concrete international action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The prime minister will also outline Pakistan’s position on key global issues including regional security, climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has already arrived in New York and has a packed schedule. In addition to accompanying PM Shehbaz in major meetings, Dar is expected to hold over a dozen bilateral engagements with counterparts at ministerial and senior levels.
Earlier during his UK visit, Shehbaz Sharif underwent a medical check-up, addressed the Pakistani community at an overseas convention, and held both official and private meetings in London.
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