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.In an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal housing schemes, the Task Force, acting on directives from the Divisional Intelligence Committee, has intensified its operations in Rawalpindi.
A recent operation targeted the Ruden Enclave scheme in Mouza Budhial, Rawalpindi. The Task Force took decisive action, demolishing site offices, light poles, and sculptures associated with the illicit project.
This crackdown is being overseen by a high-level team led by Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Muhammad Abdul Aamer Khattak, alongside the Director General (DG) of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi, and the Chief Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi.
Kinza Murtaza, DG RDA, reiterated the commitment to upholding the law, emphasizing that operations against illegal societies will continue unabated. These efforts aim to safeguard citizens from falling victim to fraudulent housing schemes and unlawful land occupation.
Despite prior warnings, the owners of the Ruden Enclave scheme persisted in their illegal activities, prompting the joint operation team to take decisive action. The team, consisting of officials from RDA, Police Station Saddar Beroni, and the District Administration, carried out the operation meticulously.
RDA consistently communicates with the public through press releases, advising against investment in unauthorized housing schemes. Citizens are urged to transact only with approved schemes listed on the RDA website (www.rda.gop.pk).
The swift and resolute actions of the Task Force demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ interests in Rawalpindi.
