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: Federal Ministers of PTI-regime have criticized 11-party opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for insisting on holding rally in Peshawar despite government’s ban due to surging coronavirus cases in the country.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has said that opposition wants to slaughter the entire cow for its 2kg meat.
In a tweet, the federal minister used the example of a cow to explain the situation. “The Opposition wants to sacrifice the entire cow for its 2kg meat,” he said, “Fools, if the disease continues to spread and people’s lives are on stake, then for what [purpose] are you doing politics for?”
He said that politics and power were connected with people’s lives and well-being. “Change your strategy; if you really want to hold jalsas then hold virtual ones,” he added in the tweet.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development, while sharing the recent stats about rising coronavirus in the country, said that these numbers are being shared to send a message to political leaders that the novel virus is threating lives.
Asad Umar, in a tweet, said that coronavirus patients on ventilators in last 15 days rose by 200% in Peshawar, Multan 200%, Karachi 148%, Lahore 114%, and Islamabad 65%.
He also revealed that Multan and Islamabad’s ventilators capacity utilization has reached 70 percent.
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar said that ‘spread coronavirus movement’ of opposition is proof of their selfishness.
He asked that what opposition wants to achieve by spreading the novel coronavirus in the country.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Political Communication Shahbaz Gill has said that PDM parties are endangering lives of people for their personal interests and warned that second wave of coronavirus can be more deadly.
Earlier, when government imposed smart lockdown in the country, opposition was in favor of complete lockdown but now in their hatred fir Imran Khan, they are about to cross a red line, he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that Head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that the biggest virus facing Pakistan is the government itself. He also said that PDM’s Peshawar rally will go ahead as planned under all circumstances.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, the PDM head said that despite the illegitimate government’s efforts, PDM will hold its rally in Peshawar. He said that Sunday’s historic rally will leave the PTI government bamboozled.
This statement comes at a time when the country is facing a serious spike in coronavirus cases with the number of deaths also on the rise.
Addressing these concerns, Fazlur Rehman said that the government is only touting the dangers of coronavirus since it sees no other way of stopping PDM rallies. This illegitimate government itself is the biggest virus, ridding the nation of its rule will be the biggest reprieve, he added.
