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.COLOMBO, Feb 03 (INP): Sri Lanka Navy’s Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), SLNS Sayurala has left the country from the Port ofColombo on Saturday for Pakistan to take part in AMAN 2019, the biennial multi-national naval exercise hosted by the Pakistan Navy.
SLNS Sayurala is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Karachi on 06th February. The crew of SLNS Sayurala commanded by Captain (CDO) Isira Kasiwatta consists of 28 officers and 142 sailors.
The multilateral naval exercise AMAN 2019 is scheduled to be held in Karachi, Pakistan from 08th to 13th February.
The purpose of the exercise is to promote cooperation and interoperability between the regional and extra regional navies. Further, the concept of exercise is designed to provide common forum for information sharing, mutual understanding and identifying areas of common interests. Apart from that it will also develop and practice response tactics, techniques and procedures against asymmetric and traditional threats during sea phase of the exercise.
This premier exercise promotes greater level of military cooperation and understanding amongst navies and enhances the security and surveillance of the region’s maritime zone.
Navies of 44 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Philippine, Qatar andRussia with a large number of ships and air craft will be participating in the Exercise AMAN 2019.
Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle were present to see the ship off.
