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.GUREZ: As being cut off from the world owing to a thick blanket of snow on Bandipora-Gurez road, the Gurez Valley has inaugurated a festive start to 2025 with its first “snow cricket tournament.”
The tournament, which began in Dawar, a district in Gurez Valley of North Kashmir’s Bandipora, has made the winter landscape a festive one. A large crowd of locals witnessed this unique sporting event on a snow-covered field.
While speaking to the media locals said this is the first snow cricket tournament of 2025 in Gurez. Winters in Gurez Valley keep kids indoors because it snows so heavily. Noticing this, the organizing committee has started the tournament as a form of entertainment for young residents of the valley.
This is a much-needed event for the people of Gurez, particularly for the youth who usually remain indoors,” said Bhat Mustafa, a local resident. He said, now they have the opportunity to step out and engage in healthy activities like cricket. “We aim to make this snow cricket tournament a yearly tradition,” he added.
Another local said the goal of this tournament is steering children away from detrimental habits like smoking and drug use by encouraging their involvement in sports.
Similarly, he also urged the government to increase support and said, “It would be highly helpful if winter sports were given such promotion in Gurez Valley, just like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. The community and organizers have played their part, and with more government support, these events could increase several folds.”
Notably, locals wish that the Government will grasp the opportunity and seize this initiative to develop the tourist infrastructure and winter sports in the region.
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