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.QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the federal and provincial governments to Join hands and use full force to eliminate the menace of terrorism.
The premier expressed these view while chairing a high level meeting regarding the law and order situation in Quetta in the wake of recent Jaffer Express episode, adding “The army officers are sacrificing their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the sake of the country.”
The Premeir revealed that there is a concern about how the terrorism increased again. Over 80,000 people had to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the country. The country had to witness the loss of $30 billion. “The terrorism was ended back in 2018.”
“The peace cannot be achieved till ending the menace of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” said PM Shehbaz.
The prime minister said that 339 Pakistanis have been released after a succesful operation of security and law enforcement organizations in Jaffer Express incident, while 33 terrorists have been wiped out. “The Army officers were also there in the Jaffar Express. The passengers were going to their houses to celebrate Eid al-Fitr,” the premier said.
“The terrorists have not even thought about the holy month of Ramadan, women, and children. The innocent citizens have been martyred and made hostages,” PM Shehbaz added.
He said, “Today, we gathered on the occasion where the entire nation is expressing deep grief.”
PM Shehbaz said: “Those who claim to be the Pakistan’s friends are showing enmity against the Army and masses.”
“Those who used to own Taliban, have released thousands of Taliban,” stated the premier.
“The country’s entity would might be threatened if the terrorism not ends. I have always believed that the politicians and institutions need to work together,” said PM Shehbaz.
The premier said, “No propaganda will be tolerated against our soldiers.”
He urged the political leadership to sit together, saying, “The political leadership come and sit. We will ensure that the leadership of the armed forces sit.”
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been awarded Rs600billion in line with the NIFC,” said the premier.
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