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.ISLAMABAD: Heavy monsoon season casted heavily as besides material losses across Pakistan, the death toll has climbed to 279, with eight more fatalities reported in the past 24 hours as a fresh spell of heavy rainfall is set to lash several parts of the country until July 31.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in its latest situation report has stated that at least 676 people have been injured and over 1,500 homes damaged since the start of the monsoon season on June 28.
Punjab remains the most severely affected province, with 151 confirmed deaths and 536 injuries.
The authority said that six of the eight deaths reported in the past 24 hours occurred in Punjab, which also accounted for all 21 newly reported injuries. Punjab, already reeling from severe urban and rural flooding, remains at the centre of the crisis, as further rains threaten to worsen conditions.
The overall toll paints a grim picture of the devastation caused by torrential rains and flash floods. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has so far recorded 64 deaths and 80 injuries, followed by Sindh with 25 deaths and 40 injuries. Balochistan has reported 20 deaths and four injuries.
In the northern regions, Gilgit-Baltistan has reported nine fatalities and four injuries, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has recorded two deaths and ten injuries, while Islamabad has confirmed eight deaths and three injuries.
Beyond the human toll, the NDMA reported significant property and livestock damage. A total of 1,553 houses have been damaged across the country, with 362 homes affected in the past 24 hours alone. At least 374 livestock have also perished due to flooding, adding to the hardship faced by rural communities dependent on agriculture.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of heavy rain across the country. Downpours are expected in KP, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir through the end of July. The NDMA has urged residents of flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and follow advisories.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas, with support from local authorities, the military, and civil defence teams. However, challenges remain due to inundated infrastructure, blocked roads, and continuing rainfall in some districts.
Monsoon rains are a seasonal norm in South Asia and critical for agriculture, but their impact has grown more destructive in recent years. Experts attribute this to rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Environmentalists have called on federal and provincial governments to prioritize investment in disaster resilience, including improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and long-term planning to mitigate future risks.
As more rains loom, the NDMA has reiterated its appeal to citizens to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and follow official instructions.
The authority emphasized its commitment to coordinating nationwide emergency response
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