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: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Tirah Valley terrorist attack in which five people were martyred and 16 others were injured.
The premier expressed grief over the martyrdom of five innocent people and injuries to 16 others in firing by the Khwarij in Bagh Maidan area of Tirah Valley.
The premier directed the provision of immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Shehbaz said the nefarious designs of terrorists could not shake the nation’s resolve, the PM Media Wing said in a statement.
Sources claimed that terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij opened fire on the protesters from the nearby hills. However, another source alleged that the security forces opened fire when the angry protesters headed to the security facility in the area.
It is learnt the Zakhakhel tribe people and the relatives of a girl, who was allegedly killed in a mortar shelling a day earlier, staged a protest near a government installation when they came under attack. Local people said five persons died on the spot and 16 others sustained injuries.
The deceased were identified as Shakoor Khan, Ziaur Rehman, Hanat Shah, Akmal Khan and Saeed Afridi. The injured included Sher Zaman, Akmal Khan, Khan Zeb, Abdul Haleem, Ayub Khan, Siraj Khan, Qasim Khan, Saeed Khan, Zartaj Khan, Baitullah, Aamir Hussain, Rehmanullah, Muhammad Javed, Muhammad Sadiq, Nazar Muhammad and Abubakr.
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