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.KARACHI: The Sindh Government has taken serious notice of the triple-murder incident in Sanghar district, with Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah assuring that the situation is being closely monitored by the interior minister and the provincial police chief.
PPP MNA Allauddin Junejo and his supporters were accused of killing three shepherds and injuring 23 others because their livestock animals were entering their agricultural fields time and again.
However, relatives of the dead and injured persons alleged that the MNA’s armed men charged upon their village with the intention of occupying their land.
The heirs were sitting with the bodies in protest refusing to bury the dead till FIR was lodged against Allauddin.
While speaking in the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday, in a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony, Minister Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, stating that the PPP leaders have visited the bereaved families to express solidarity.
During the session, MQM-P MPA Sabir Hussain Qaimkhani raised concerns over the Sanghar incident in which three people were killed and 23 others injured. He stressed that the victims’ families are demanding the registration of a case.
However, Minister Shah countered that those whom the families wish to nominate in the FIR were not present at the scene.
Another MQM-P legislator, Shariq Jamal, brought attention of the house to a separate incident in his constituency, where a senior citizen lost his life after falling into an open drain. The sewer had been inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and Jamal said that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness.
Responding to this concern, Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat, and Ushr Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi said that the issue would be raised in the assembly once the local government minister attends the session.
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