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: A rumpus on Friday has erupted in the National Assembly (NA) session after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the assembly (MNA) Afzal Khokhar tabled a privilege motion.
During the session, while taking about the operation to demolish the Khokhar Palace, the PML-N leader told the House that Lahore administration had stormed his residence late night and destroyed furniture and other things.
This type of attitude of the Punjab authorities will not be tolerated, he clarified.
On the other hand, harsh words were also exchange between NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal. The speaker reprimanded the opposition party’s member over his language tone.
The assembly was also informed that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking effective measures for removal or blocking of offensive content pertaining to religion and the integrity and defense of the country.
Responding to a question during the Question Hour in the House, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said that PTA has so far blocked around one million Uniform Resource Locators containing objectionable content.
He said promoting pornography, blackmailing women and personal attacks cannot be tolerated. He said pornography and anti-Pakistan content should immediately be reported to PTA for blocking of such material.
Ministry of Climate Change, in a written reply, informed the House that there are approximately ten thousand brick kilns in Pakistan out of which 1286 have so far been converted to Zigzag technology. It also informed the House that State Bank of Pakistan has announced a subsidized loan at the rate of 6 percent with a ten year payback period.
The House has now been adjourned to meet again on Monday at 5pm.
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