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.ISLAMABAD: Life across Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained disrupted for a second straight day on Saturday, as road closures and suspension of internet services continued following a protest call by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Major roads and intersections, including Faizabad interchange and IJP Road, remained completely closed to traffic. The key Faizabad Interchange connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad was sealed off with shipping containers, while Khanna Pul, Kuri Road, and Dhoke Kala Khan routes also remained closed to traffic. The Islamabad administration has sealed the Red Zone and placed containers around D-Chowk to block access.
The administration has also imposed a complete ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Rawalpindi, while roads leading to the airport have also been sealed with containers.
Educational institutions are closed while internet service in several parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains suspended for the second consecutive day, causing difficulties for residents and businesses.
The Metro Bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad was suspended amid security concerns, while police contingents have been deployed at Faizabad interchange, a site known for the religious party’s previous sit-ins.
The authorities have already imposed Section 144 of the CrPC across Punjab, barring the display of weapons and banning public gatherings. The measures have been taken in the wake of a protest call in the capital by the Saad Hussain Rizvi-led religious and political party.
A day earlier, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the government is making efforts to prevent TLP’s planned march towards Islamabad through peaceful means, asserting that the state “would not be blackmailed by mobs”. Chaudhry maintained that the federal government had implemented preemptive measures and would not tolerate “blackmail and politics of demands”.
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