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: The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Constitutional Bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, continued hearings on appeals challenging the trial of civilians in military courts. The court rejected the government’s request to permit military courts to deliver verdicts.
The court denied the government’s plea to allow military courts jurisdiction over civilian cases. Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked that granting such permission would imply recognition of military courts’ authority in these matters.
The apex court also dismissed a plea by former justice Jawad S Khawaja to defer the hearing until the decision on the 26th constitutional amendment, imposing a fine of Rs20,000 on the petitioner.
Former chief justice Jawad S. Khawaja, representing the petitioners, argued for postponing the case until the 26th amendment is decided, asserting that if the amendment is invalidated, the outcomes of related cases would also be nullified. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked, “You don’t have a loved one in custody, which is why you are seeking delays. If you do not recognize the court’s jurisdiction, you may leave.”
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar emphasized that judicial decisions are always protected and expressed concern about recurring delay tactics in such hearings.
Justice Mandokhail clarified that all new benches, including those hearing constitutional amendments, are being formed under the latest constitutional framework.
During the session, Hafeezullah Niazi, father of detained lawyer Hassan Niazi, was summoned to the rostrum. When asked if he wanted the trial to proceed, he responded affirmatively.
The court dismissed the request to delay proceedings with Rs20,000 fine. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow for further deliberations.
The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow for further deliberations.
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