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.D.I. KHAN: Six policemen, including trainees, were martyred and 13 others — 12 policemen and a civilian — were injured in a terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan district, which security forces and law enforcement agencies successfully repelled, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on the night of October 10–11, assailants attempted to breach the perimeter of the Police Training School, but their plans were foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security personnel deployed on duty.
In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the school’s main gate.
Displaying exceptional courage and professional excellence, police personnel engaged the intruders, eliminating three terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as Khwarij by the state.
The ISPR said that as the remaining two attackers were cornered in a building complex, they were neutralised during a clearance operation conducted by security forces.
During the intense exchange of fire, six policemen, including trainees, embraced martyrdom after putting up a heroic fight, while 12 policemen and one civilian were injured.
The statement added that the terrorists attacked the mosque inside the school complex, desecrated the place of worship, and brutally killed the imam, an innocent civilian performing his duties at the mosque.
The ISPR said that sanitisation operations continue in the area and that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice.
“The security forces, alongside law enforcement agencies, remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country. Such sacrifices further strengthen our national commitment to safeguarding Pakistan at all costs,” the statement read.
Earlier, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) confirmed that the police had successfully repelled the attack. At least three terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed in retaliatory fire.
A CTD report indicated that seven policemen were martyred and 13 others injured in the incident. Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Hamid Siddiqui confirmed the casualties to the media.
The attack took place around 8:30 pm on Friday within the jurisdiction of Shorkot Police Station.
According to the AC, a nearby National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office and a wildlife park were also set ablaze by the terrorists.
The initial attack left one police officer dead, after which the militants entered the training school and opened fire using heavy weapons and grenades. Police forces retaliated bravely, and the exchange of fire continued for about five hours.
Upon learning of the attack, District Police Officer (DPO) Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed and DSP City Hafiz Adnan rushed to the site with a heavy contingent of police. They were soon joined by Regional Police Officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar and security forces.
The joint operation resulted in the killing of five terrorists and the recovery of suicide jackets, explosives, and ammunition from their possession.
KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the courage of the officers, stating that the bravery of the KP police demonstrated their unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism. He announced compensation for the martyrs and rewards for all personnel who took part in the operation.
Dera Ismail Khan and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — including Bannu, Peshawar, Karak, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur — have recently witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, mostly targeting police and security personnel.
Just a day earlier, a senior army officer was martyred during an intelligence-based operation in D.I. Khan, while a police checkpoint was also attacked earlier this week.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most terrorism-affected province. It reported 45 attacks last month, resulting in 54 deaths and 49 injuries.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the banned TTP’s decision to end its ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022.
Also read: DG ISPR blames rise in terrorism on poor enforcement of National Action Plan
