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.DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Punjab Police thwarted yet another attack by heavily armed foreign terrorists on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Punjab border, marking the second such assault within 24 hours and the third this week.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a group of 20 to 25 militants launched an attack on the Lakhani border post using rocket launchers and other advanced weaponry. However, security personnel successfully repelled the assailants, forcing them to flee.
The statement added that the terrorists were identified in advance using thermal imaging cameras, enabling the police to take swift action.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab, in a statement, commended the bravery of the police force, asserting that “every soldier of the Punjab Police is fully committed to eliminating terrorism and will not allow the enemy to succeed in its nefarious designs.”
It may be noted that a similar attack was foiled at the same location a day earlier, when 15 to 20 militants attempted to storm the checkpoint in the early hours of the morning.
The assailants had targeted the post from multiple directions with rocket launchers and heavy firearms. Punjab Police reported that the attackers suffered significant casualties as a result of effective retaliation.
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