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: Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has criticized India’s release of water from its overflowing dams into Pakistani rivers as “water terrorism”, and stressed that the United Nations should take immediate notice of this open hostility endangering millions of innocent lives.
Pakistan is already suffering from torrential outbursts and devastating floods as recent rains have claimed hundreds of lives, left thousands injured, and destroyed thousands of homes, while India’s move is worsening the crisis, the Governor said while speaking to the media at Governor House Karachi, along with senior MQM Pakistan leader Anees Qaimkhani and others.
Condemning and calling the Indian decision as an act of “open hostility” that has endangered innocent lives, Kamran Tessori argued that India’s “water terrorism” has caused flooding in the Chenab and Ravi rivers, and its impact will soon be felt at Kotri Barrage in Sindh and other downstream areas.
The Governor in a statement also urged the United Nations to take immediate notice of India’s inhuman actions, saying that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already lost his moral war in the region and that Pakistan will never accept such acts of water terrorism.
“The people and institutions of Pakistan will stand united against this water terrorism, and every possible step is being taken to support the flood victims,” he maintained.
Kamran Tessori requested scholars and the public to offer special prayers for those affected by the floods and India’s water terrorism. He appealed to philanthropists and well-to-do individuals to reach out to flood-hit areas and extend assistance to the affected families.
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