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) started of trading on a strong note on Thursday amid positive economic development a day after it witnessed volatility.
During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index has gained 864.66 points to reach 166,504.99 points compared to previous close of 165,640.33 points.
The positive trend comes as Pakistan has successfully repaid its $500 million International Bond (Eurobond) that matured on September 30, 2025, in line with all its obligations.
Advisor to Finance Minister, Khurram Schehzad said the bond, issued in 2015 to global investors with a 10-year tenor, was settled on schedule, reflecting the country’s commitment to financial discipline.
He said, the timely debt servicing comes at a time when external buffers and liquidity have strengthened, sovereign ratings have been upgraded and investor confidence is improving, with Pakistan’s bonds recently trading at a premium.
He noted that the debt-to-GDP ratio had improved from 77 percent in FY20 to 70 percent in FY25, while the share of external debt in total public debt declined from 38 percent to 32 percent during the same period, reducing foreign exchange vulnerability.
In previous session, the KSE-100 index gained 146.75 points, showing a positive change of 0.09 percent, and closed at 165,640.34 points.
A total of 1,639,021,153 shares were traded during the day compared to 1,349,798,022 shares the previous day, whereas the share value stood at Rs 69.66 billion against Rs 76.77 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 486 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, out of which 173 recorded gains, 287 sustained losses, whereas 26 remained unchanged.
Read more: Over 13 Dead, Dozens Injured In Separate Bus Crashes In Balochistan
