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: Maryam Nawaz Sharif led Government of Punjab has announced an expansion of its free bike initiative, aiming to provide easier access to education and reduce financial burdens.
Thism was announced in a meeting held under the Chairmanship of Provincial Transport Minister, Bilal Akbar Khan which was convened to review the program’s progress.
The Minister announced that the number of free bikes available to students has increased from 20,000 to 27,200. This means more students will benefit from this valuable transportation solution.
The minister directed officials to expedite all processes to ensure the delivery of free bikes to orphan students, following the announcement by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The initiative aims to provide greater mobility and educational opportunities for orphaned students.
Bilal Khan emphasized that the instalment plan for the bike scheme has been kept to a minimum to alleviate the financial burden on students. The Punjab government is also covering half of the advance payment to further ease the process.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that women applying for electric bikes will also be provided with bikes, as per the Chief Minister’s announcement.
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