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.MIRPUR: Speakers at a seminar organized at the Kashmir Press Club in Mirpur in memory of the martyrs of Jammu reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward the mission of the Kashmir freedom movement at all costs.
A large number of people attended the seminar and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs of Jammu and reiterated their resolve to continue their mission.
The seminar was also addressed by Chairman of Institute of Kashmiri CDS, UK, Nazir Ahmed Qureshi, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Mirpur district Maulana Atiq-ur-Rehman, former President of Al-Khidmat Foundation, Azad Kashmir and renowned physician Dr Riaz Ahmed, President of Al-Khidmat Foundation, Mirpur, Bashir Ahmed Shago, Ishtiaq Ahmed Shahzad and others.
On this occasion, the speakers the highlighted martyrs of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have made great sacrifices and history will always remember them.
Paying tribute to the martyrs of Jammu, they said apart from the Dogra forces, Hindu groups and Sikhs carried out the worst massacre of Muslims in Jammu on November 6, 1947. The aim of this fascist-based massacre was to reduce the population of Muslims in Jammu, in which they succeeded because before November 6, 1947, the population of Muslims in Jammu was 61 percent, which was reduced to 31 percent.
The speakers stated the dream of freedom of the Kashmiri people will come true very soon and the sacrifices of lakhs of martyrs will bear fruit and occupied Jammu and Kashmir will become free and part of Pakistan.
They said India has to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and no decision contrary to the wishes of the Kashmiri people will be acceptable.
They said India cannot crush the spirit of freedom of the people of Kashmir. Freedom is the fundamental and internationally recognized right of the Kashmiri people, which India must vindicate at all costs, they added.
also read:Jammu Martyrs Inspire Kashmir Freedom Spirit: Ali Raza Syed
