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 Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Kathia on Wednesday revealed that around 20,000 to 25,000 people have been evacuated from areas along the Chenab and Ravi rivers due to rising water levels.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Kathia said the next spell of monsoon rains is expected to begin tomorrow but will not be as intense as earlier downpours.
He claimed India had not provided sufficient alerts regarding water releases, forcing Pakistan to rely on data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and satellite monitoring.
Kathia added that no embankments across Punjab’s five rivers had suffered damage so far. However, he warned that the next 48 hours would be critical and urged residents of floodplains to evacuate to safer areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday said Sialkot has recorded its highest-ever 24-hour rainfall, breaking a 49-year-old record.
According to PMD, the city received 363.5 millimeters of rain over the past 24 hours, surpassing the previous record of 339.7 millimeters set on August 6, 1976.
The department confirmed that the new measurement is the highest daily rainfall ever recorded in Sialkot.
Read more: Army Deployed In Punjab Ahead of Indian Water Terrorism; Triggers Heavy Flood
