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.SARGODHA: An alleged murderer of three people, including his two nieces and their mother, was killed in a police encounter near Behak Maken area, situated in the jurisdiction of Jhal Chakian police station of Sargodha.
A police spokesperson said that a police team, during routine checking of vehicles and motorcycles, signaled two suspected motorcycles to stop for checking. However, the riders sped away, instead of stopping at the picket. The police chased them. Seeing a police party chasing them, they opened fire on them.
The police retaliated the fire, and in exchange of fire a man was killed, who was later on identified as Taimoor, the killer of three. The police said the deceased was killed by the firing of his accomplices, who managed to flee from the scene.
The police said the deceased had killed his two nieces, and their mother, and injured two other nieces at village 103-NB on a land dispute one month ago, and had been declared a most wanted person by the Sadr police.
Meanwhile, the district police on Saturday arrested 15 criminals during a crackdown on law-violators across the district.
A police spokesperson said that police teams from different police stations raided different localities under their respective jurisdictions and arrested Nadeem, Naeem, Naseer, Nouman, Naveed, Nasrullah, Muhammad Ashfaq, Muhammad Aslam, Tariq, Waqas, Waleed and others besides recovering 2-kg hashish,2-kg opium, 231 litres of liquor, nine pistols, nine guns and 203 bullets. Further investigation was underway.
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