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 government has been mulling over extending COVID lockdown in the province for another week, previously imposed to restrict movement on Eid.
According to sources having knowledge of the provincial decision-making, the
provincial government has mulled regarding extending the lockdown from May
16 to May 24.
“A consensus has been made among the provincial authorities that extending
the lockdown would further improve the situation in the province that has
suffered most from the pandemic,” they said.
The sources, however, said that a final decision on extending lockdown would
be made during a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre
(NCOC).
It is pertinent to mention here that restrictions on movements imposed on
Eid have apparently yielded positive results as in a sharp decline, Pakistan
on Saturday reported less than 2,000 COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths during the
past 24 hours. (With input from INP)
Also Read: Indians blame Modi for worsening Covid crisis in country
