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: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its bullish momentum for the third consecutive week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting a notable gain of 2,350 points during the outgoing business week.
The index closed the week at 134,299 points, rising from the previous week’s close amid sustained investor confidence and improving macroeconomic indicators.
According to market data, the benchmark index moved within a range of 2,605 points over the course of the week, recording an intra-week low of 132,326 points and a high of 134,931 points.
During the five-session week, trading activity remained robust. A total of 4.73 billion shares changed hands on the bourse, with the cumulative value of traded shares amounting to Rs194 billion.
Market capitalization also saw a substantial increase, climbing by Rs377 billion to reach Rs16,288 billion by the end of the week.
Analysts attribute the continued upward trend to growing investor optimism over economic stability, improved corporate earnings, and expectations of monetary easing in the coming months. The stable exchange rate and government-led reforms have further bolstered sentiment across key sectors.
While the bullish trend has helped the KSE-100 inch closer to new all-time highs, market observers caution that any reversal in global economic outlook or domestic political uncertainty could weigh on sentiment going forward.
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