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.AMRITSAR: In Indian Punjab devastating floods submerged over 1,300 villages and ruined 3.75 lakh acres of fertile land and have triggered unprecedented outrage across the Sikh population, who accuse the Modi-led BJP government of turning water into a weapon against the Sikh-majority state.
Sikh farmers’ unions, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, have demanded a judicial probe, alleging that the Bhakra Beas Management Board deliberately released dam waters in a manner that devastated Punjab, while BJP-ruled Haryana and Rajasthan were kept safe.
“This is not a natural calamity but human negligence and political conspiracy,” Sikh Farmers alleged Indian Government of Narendra Modi as thousands of families lost homes, crops, and livestock.
Social media is ablaze with accusations that Delhi “engineered” the floods to weaken Punjab, with many recalling past Indian threats of weaponizing water against Sikhs.
The Punjab Government led by Bhagwant Mann is seen as a toothless and a puppet of the Indian government and is further fueling resentment rather resolve problems of the Sikh community.
Under these circumstances of betrayal, Sikh youth leader Amritpal Singh is emerging as a bold new symbol of resistance and hope, representing a generation that views Punjab’s survival and dignity as incompatible with Delhi’s exploitative policies. What was once a hushed grievance has now turned into an open challenge: “Water has become a weapon—and Punjab is the battlefield.”
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