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.DUBAI: Time has come when two arch-rivals collide in a high voltage ICC-Champions Trophy 2025 (ICC-CT25) match at Dubai today.
Millions of fans tune in with bated breath, Pakistan and India prepare to reignite their cricketing rivalry in a thrilling Champions Trophy Group A encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today.
The stakes are high for both teams, particularly Pakistan, who must win to stay alive in the tournament.
Pakistan’s title defense got off to a dismal start with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener. Another defeat would virtually end their campaign, making this match a “do or die” encounter for the Men in Green.
India, on the other hand, began their campaign on a strong note, securing a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. With their sights set on the semifinals, Rohit Sharma’s men will look to build on their momentum and consolidate their position in the group.
The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense and closely watched in international cricket. Their last meeting in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 saw India emerge victorious by seven wickets. Pakistan will be eager to avenge that defeat and prove their mettle against their arch-rivals.
Pakistan’s preparations for the match have been dealt a blow with the injury-induced absence of hard-hitting opening batter Fakhar Zaman. Imam-ul-Haq has been drafted into the squad as his replacement and is likely to partner Babar Azam at the top of the order.
Pakistan’s pace attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, will have to step up against India’s star-studded batting lineup comprising Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul.
However, Pakistan’s reliance on just one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, could prove to be a strategic concern, especially on a Dubai pitch that may offer assistance to spinners later in the game.
The rivalry between Pakistan and India in ICC events has always been riveting. In the Champions Trophy alone, the two teams have faced off five times, with Pakistan winning three and India two. Their most famous encounter came in the 2017 final at The Oval, where Pakistan thrashed India by 180 runs to lift their maiden Champions Trophy.
Across all ODIs, the two teams have met 135 times, with Pakistan leading with 73 wins to India’s 57, while five matches ended without a result. At neutral venues, Pakistan holds a slight edge, winning 40 compared to India’s 34.
Match timings
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Toss: 1:30 PM PST
Start Time: 2:00 PM PST
Expected squads
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan (WK).
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Read more: Pak-India Clash Of Champions Trophy In Dubai; Having No Place For Error
