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: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has called for joint efforts as heavy rainfall triggered urban flooding in Karachi, leaving at least 11 dead.
Talking to media, the governor described the post-rain situation in Karachi as extremely dire, stating that the city is submerged in water and residents are facing severe hardships.
“Such a situation does not occur in any other mega city around the world. Thousands of vehicles are still stranded in water, and yesterday was one of the darkest days for Karachi,” he lamented.
Tessori emphasized the need to set politics aside and focus on collective efforts for relief.
Without naming Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Governor Tessori extended an offer of cooperation, urging, “Let us work together. Please, no one should politicize the situation. People are suffering, and Karachiites looked helpless and abandoned today.”
He also appealed to philanthropists to step forward and assist the affected population, assuring the public that they would not be left alone in these challenging times.
Meanwhile, political leader Farooq Sattar, who visited various rain-affected areas, echoed similar sentiments.
Read more: Heavy Rainfall, Urban Flood Claims Over 11 Lives in Karachi; Destroy Infrastructure
