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 has reached Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), beginning in Khankendi, Republic of Azerbaijan from today.
He was warmly received by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karmali and senior government officials upon his arrival.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the Prime Minister during the two-day visit.
The theme of the Summit is “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
During the Summit, the Prime Minister will lead the Pakistani delegation and share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development.
Shehbaz Sharif will also hold bilateral meetings with other ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual interest.
In a pre-visit statement, the Foreign Office announced that the prime minister would present Pakistan’s stance on major regional and global issues, reaffirm the country’s support for the ECO Vision 2025, and call for stronger regional trade, transport links, energy collaboration, and sustainable growth.
The prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with fellow ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss areas of mutual interest.
The summit’s theme is “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
As per the ECO’s statement, the summit will bring together heads of states/governments, ministers, observers, special guests from non-ECO nations, and leaders of international organizations to promote development and prosperity through economic cooperation.
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