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.
CARIO : The youngest son of deceased Egyptian ex-president Mohamed Morsi himself died on Wednesday night of a heart attack in Cairo, a family lawyer said.
Abdallah Morsi, 25, suffered the fatal cardiac arrest while at the wheel of his car, Abdel Moneim Abdel Maqsoud told.
“A friend who was with him was able to stop the car and take him to hospital,” said the lawyer, adding that Abdallah Morsi’s funeral was set to take place on Thursday.
Mohamed Morsi — who as Egypt’s first freely elected president headed an administration loyal to the now banned Muslim Brotherhood until he was deposed by the military in 2013 — died in court on June 17.
The military overthrow of Morsi was led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who ascended to the presidency in 2014 polls, before securing an official 97 per cent in elections last year.
Mohamed Morsi, 67, collapsed during a court session in Cairo, some six years after his ouster and imprisonment.
He had been sentenced to 45 years in prison for offences including “inciting violence” in late 2012 against protesters and “spying” on behalf of Qatar.
Sisi has stifled opposition, particularly from the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt declared the Brotherhood a terrorist organisation in late 2013. (INP)
