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: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for failing to live up to his title “Shehbaz speed” in Karachi, maintaining that the city has instead been subjected to “Shehbaz slow”.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Hub Canal near the city, Bilawal said they had expected “Shehbaz speed” but received “Shehbaz slow”.
It cannot be that there is “Shehbaz speed” in Lahore but “Shehbaz slow” in Karachi, he added, and appealed to the Premier to honor his promises to Karachi.
The PPP chief’s remarks are to be taken against the backdrop of the fact that his party has been a central ally of Premier Shehbaz-led coalition government.
Meanwhile, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Hub Canal, Bilawal said that for the first time, the local government systems in Karachi and Hyderabad were serving the public instead of spreading hatred.
He announced that the new canal would supply an additional 100 million gallons per day (mgd) of water to Karachi, benefitting the Central, East and Kimari districts.
The PPP chairman added that a PC-I plan to deliver additional water to Lyari has been prepared, repair work on the old Hub Canal is underway, and efforts would continue to secure an increased water quota for the city.
He pointed out that Karachi’s biggest demand has been to end the water shortage, commending the PPP’s supporters in Karachi and Hyderabad for their efforts in addressing the issue.
Bilawal also recalled the PPP’s promise to transform conditions in Karachi and Hyderabad once its mayors were elected, noting that provincial and municipal governments are working together for the first time in history.
He remarked that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is focusing on development instead of extremism, and this harmony is benefiting the people of both Karachi and Hyderabad.
Furthermore, the former foreign minister highlighted the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s commitment to installing a desalination plant to convert seawater into potable water for Karachi.
Bilawal said the people of Karachi and Hyderabad have recognised and rejected those spreading hatred, both in local government and general elections.
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