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, 22 Feb (TNT News): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday called his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to thank him for Turkey’s ‘steadfast support’ to Pakistan on a range of issues and said this support reflected the commitment of Pakistan and Turkey to stand by each other.
Briefing the Turkish foreign minister on the emerging situation in the wake of the Pulwama incident, he stated that Pakistan had asked India to share any actionable information it had enabling Pakistan to help in an investigation into the attack.
Qureshi appreciated Turkey’s understanding of Pakistan’s position on different issues and its continued support and shared that excellent relations between the two brotherly countries had been further reinforced after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Turkey in January this year.
During the visit, the two sides had agreed to transform Pakistan-Turkey relations into a new enhanced strategic partnership, he added.
Expressing complete understanding of Pakistan’s position, the Turkish foreign minister said that Turkey rejected Indian accusations against Pakistan in the wake of Pulwama attack. He also underscored the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues.
He stated that the issue of Kashmir needed to be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
The Turkish minister said that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Pakistan after the local elections in Turkey.
