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.BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by a high-level Pakistani delegation comprising Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Atta Tarar.
President Xi emphasized that as the world undergoes “changes unseen in a century,” a stronger China-Pakistan relationship is vital to safeguarding regional peace, stability, and development.
He called for accelerating the building of “an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” adding that both sides should work toward upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Xi also expressed hope that Pakistan would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions operating in the country.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Xi on the successful hosting of the SCO Summit and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Fascist War.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great strides. Pakistan is proud of China’s achievements and remains ready to work together in this great journey,” the Prime Minister said.
He hailed Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, calling it “of great significance for world peace, stability, and development,” and pledged Pakistan’s full support for its implementation.
Premier Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue working with China to launch the next upgraded phase of CPEC, which he described as a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Prime Minister revealed that five new development corridors have been added to CPEC’s next phase, aimed at strengthening connectivity and building a stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future.
He further appreciated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic development, pledging that Pakistan would “spare no effort in ensuring the safety of all Chinese personnel and projects.”
Both leaders stressed that their partnership goes beyond bilateral ties and serves as a model of cooperation for the wider neighborhood. They also vowed to strengthen coordination in regional peace efforts, counter-terrorism, and global development initiatives.
The meeting followed Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin a day earlier, where he stressed Pakistan’s belief in dialogue and diplomacy amid regional instability.
He emphasized respect for sovereignty among SCO members and urged cooperation on equitable access to water resources.
The PM highlighted China’s global leadership as an example of stability and growth, with CPEC serving as a model of shared prosperity.
He also congratulated Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days during his remarks.
Shehbaz Sharif strongly rejected all forms of terrorism, calling out those who exploit it for political ends.
“The world no longer accepts this fictional narrative,” he said, citing evidence of foreign involvement in recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Jafar Express train incident
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