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.MUMBAI: Singer Adnan Sami has weighed in on the ongoing Sardaar Ji 3 debate, saying that while art crosses borders, an artist’s identity is inseparable from their country.
His remarks follow Diljit Dosanjh’s defense after being labeled “anti-national” over his film’s ban in India.
Speaking in a recent interview, Sami — who became an Indian citizen in 2016 — said:
“Politics is something else, and nationality is something else. An artist always belongs to his country, he cannot be political.”
He emphasized that art should not be forced into a political mold and that artists do not adhere to rigid political ideologies.
The debate arose after Dosanjh’s film Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, was barred from release in India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Addressing fans at a concert in Malaysia, Dosanjh defended himself, saying the film had been shot before the attack and questioning why cricket matches between India and Pakistan continued despite the tensions.
“The film was shot before the attack, and now the match was played after the attack. We are with our country and against terrorism,” he said.
Dosanjh also rejected accusations of being “anti-national,” stressing the patriotism of the Punjabi and Sikh community.
“Every effort was made to portray me as an anti-national, but this is not the truth. Our community has always been loyal and patriotic,” he said.
Despite the ban in India, Sardaar Ji 3 has performed well internationally, with strong support from the Punjabi diaspora. The casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, however, sparked criticism amid heightened political sensitivities.
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