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: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has ended its backdoor contacts with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq while Asad Qaiser and Barrister Gohar were previously in communication with Speaker, but now these discussions have been terminated.
Both the leaders had demanded the formation of a judicial commission to resume negotiations, but despite PTI’s withdrawal from talks, Ayaz Sadiq decided not to dissolve the government committee.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar stated in a media interview that the negotiations with the government were already over and that if the government wishes to continue public discourse on the matter, it is their choice.
He further explained that PTI has not made any demands from the government but if the government formally acknowledges these demands in writing, the issue could be taken back to the leadership for consultation on whether to resume negotiations.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the National Assembly clarified that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq did not extend any formal invitation for negotiations to PTI. The spokesperson emphasized that Ayaz Sadiq only mentioned that his door is open for everyone. A formal invitation for talks will be extended only when the government or opposition makes a direct request, and the Speaker’s role remains neutral in this regard.
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