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.
KARACHI: Special Assistant to CM Sindh on Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar has said that the provincial government is ensuring special seats in all means of transport for persons with disabilities and allotting them parking space exclusively at all public places. These spaces shall be nearest to that particular place.
He stated this while presiding over a meeting in his office here on Monday. Secretary DEPD Khalid Chachar, Additional Secretary Abu Bakar Madni, Deputy Secretary Shahzaib Shaikh and other officers also attended the meeting.
The meeting was informed that in this regard, a letter had been sent to Secretaries Transport and Local Government and other relevant Head of the departments, asking them to ensure implementation of ‘ Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018’ in letter and spirit.
Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar said, “The aim of Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018 is to facilitate the special persons and to empower them so that they may perform their routine work smoothly.”
He said that we were also ensuring ramps and special washrooms in buildings and shopping malls and no NOC of new building will be issued unless it has ramps and special washrooms for special persons.
The Special Assistant to CM Sindh was of the opinion that it was our prime responsibility to facilitate special persons in order to make them a useful citizen of the society. He assured that Sindh government was committed to provide relief to special persons at all levels and for the purpose we also needed the cooperation of other stakeholders.
INP
