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.KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday remains bullish and maintained its upward momentum as investors responded positively to the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) to keep the policy rate unchanged.
During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index has gained 955.09 points to reach 156,399.59 points, marking a positive change of 0.61% compared to previous close of 155,384 points.
A day earlier, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11 percent.
The committee noted that inflation remained relatively moderate in both July and August, whereas core inflation continued to decline at a slower pace. Economic activity – as captured by high frequency economic indicators, including large-scale manufacturing (LSM) – gained further momentum.
However, the near-term macroeconomic outlook has deteriorated slightly in the wake of the ongoing floods, it said.
This temporary yet significant flood-induced supply shock, particularly to the crop sector, may push up headline inflation and the current account deficit from earlier expectation in FY26.
Meanwhile, the 100-index witnessed bullish trend, gaining 944.82 points, a positive change of 0.61 percent, closing at 155,384.51 points.
A total of 857,609,724 shares worth Rs32.724 billion were traded during the day.
As many as 482 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 243 recorded gains and 205 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 34 remained unchanged.
Read more: Flood Starts Receding, Leaves Behind Horrible Trail Of Destruction
