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: The Punjab government has set up Auqaaf department to take Evacuee/Trust properties into departmental custody so that “Sajadanaseen” and “Matwalee” cannot use the income obtained from shrines and its adjoining land as their personal property.
“Matwalee” of Madrasa Mahmoodia Taunsa Sharif, Kh. Naser ul Mahmood cannot prove Madrasaa and its adjoining property as its personal or non-Evacuee/Trust on any forum, despite of his stubbornness and false statements, tricks, excuses.
Therefore, Madrassa and its adjoining property has been legally taken into departmental custody through notification, in order to protect it from any further financial loss, says an official handout issued here on Friday.
According to the details, in 2013, the Chief Minister secretariat had taking action against on a complaint against “Matwalee” of Madrasa Mahmoodia Taunsa Sharif, Kh. Naser ul Mahmood, in his statement he mentioned in front of Secretary Auqaaf that in 1929 Mian Mehmood S/O Allah Baksh transferred this land through “Hibba”.
On which legal advisor of the department advised not to take property into departmental custody under section 7 of the Waqf Properties Act. Upon which the Chief Secretary was formally informed.
The “Matwalee” of Madrasa Mahmoodia Taunsa Sharif, Kh. Naser ul Mahmood got registration Registrar Joint Stock Company Dera Ghazi Khan in 2019 without an audit. Receipt of annual grant from Punjab Education Foundation was received to Secretary Auqaf.
Notice was issued to the “Matwalee” of Madrasa Mahmoodia Taunsa Sharif, Kh. Naser ul Mahmood to check the expenditure. On which he argued and said that he is out of country. Later, he appeared after three years without any record. He also got stay order from the court. The court dismissed the writ petition and directed the Secretary to take action on the legal issues.
Meanwhile, the trustee kept filing petitions in the court on various occasions. Said property was declared Evacuee/Trust and “Matwalee” of Madrasa Mahmoodia Taunsa Sharif, Kh. Naser ul Mahmood did not file any objection in the court again. The manager Auqaaf Dera Ghazi Khan, while issuing his decision, sent a copy of the notice to the trustee and the registrar of the High Court.
