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.LAHORE: Punjab is facing its worst flooding in nearly four decades after Indian water terrorism by weaponizing water and released water into rivers and heavy monsoon rains lashed the region.
Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has said that floods in Punjab claimed at least 20 lives, mostly in drowning-related incidents while over 1,839 houses damaged in floods.
He further revealed that over 1,461,398 people were affected by unwarranted release of India in Pakistani rivers. He added that 474 flood relief camps established in different areas to rovide relief to affected people.
Provicial head of the disaster managing authprity has said that the provincial governemnt has established 351 medical camps and 300 veterinary camps to provide releies to people amd their livestock.
As many as 467,564 people have been evacuated to safer areas, while 346,698 animals also rescued and evacuated, and floods cause 25 deaths so far while three buildings were reported damaged.
In Jhang, a massive flood surge has entered River Chenab, prompting the district administration to put all departments on high alert.
In Tehsil Athara Hazari, announcements are being made near protective embankments to evacuate shops as a precautionary measure. Officials recalled that during the devastating 2014 floods, the embankment had to be breached to reduce pressure.
He said that Ravi River continues in high flood while PDMA reported on Friday that River Ravi remains in a state of very high flood, with heavy flows passing through key points.
At Ravi Siphon, the water discharge has reached 202,428 cusecs, while at Shahdara the flow stands at 201,400 cusecs, according to PDMA officials.
Officials confirmed a gradual decrease in the Ravi’s flow. At Kot Nainan, the river flow is recorded at 62,600 cusecs, while at Jassar, it has reached 85,980 cusecs, marking a medium-level flood. Smaller tributaries are also swollen, with 2,756 cusecs in Nallah Baeen and 10,000 cusecs in Nallah Auj.
Authorities remain on alert as the river maintains extremely high flood levels, posing threats to surrounding low-lying areas.
Authorities warn that extremely high flood levels in Chenab could force another decision to break protective bunds if water pressure continues to rise. Deputy Commissioner Jhang said shopkeepers and residents are being notified, and the situation is being monitored closely to safeguard lives.
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