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 Textile Council (PTC) has raised concerns over a slowdown in the country’s export performance, particularly in the textile and apparel sector, which remains a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings.
PTC’s monthly report for July–August 2025 shows total exports at $5.1 billion, reflecting only 0.65% growth compared to the same period last year. Exports in August fell 12.5% year-on-year, with a 10% month-on-month drop, highlighting ongoing volatility in Pakistan’s external trade.
The textile and apparel sector, accounting for roughly 63% of total exports, generated $3.21 billion in July–August, a 10% increase from the previous year. However, August alone saw textile exports decline to $1.53 billion, down 7% year-on-year and 9% month-on-month.
PTC noted sustained challenges in traditional textiles (HS 50–60), where exports fell from $685 million in FY22 to $523 million in FY26. Cotton exports dropped 3.5%, while knitted fabrics declined 32.7%. Value-added textiles (HS 61–63) also showed signs of weakness, with knitwear, non-knit apparel, and made-ups collectively falling 13% month-on-month in August.
Regarding export destinations, the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest market at $1.3 billion, while exports to the United States have stagnated at $878 million over the past five years, reflecting lost competitiveness.
PTC called for immediate structural reforms to stabilize and grow exports. Recommended measures include regionally competitive energy pricing for exporters, liquidity and tax reforms such as automated 72-hour refunds and zero-rating of inputs under the Export Facilitation Scheme, alignment of wages and labour policies with competing economies, and targeted support for cotton and traditional textile sectors.
The council also urged strengthening of financing mechanisms through EXIM Bank, Export Finance Scheme (EFS), and Long-Term Financing Facility (LTFF), alongside establishing a legally backed five-year textile and apparel export strategy with transparent monthly performance monitoring.
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