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.US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is raising tariffs on Canada by an additional 10% “above what they’re paying now,” in response to an advertisement from Ontario province that aired during the World Series broadcast a day earlier.
Trump had already halted trade talks with Ottawa on Thursday, claiming the ad was misleading.
In a Truth Social post made on Saturday, Trump referred to the advertisement, which includes a clip of former US President Ronald Reagan—an icon for Republicans—warning that tariffs can lead to trade wars and economic turmoil. The commercial had been running for several days before Trump first reacted on Thursday night.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that, following talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario would suspend the US ad campaign on Monday to allow trade discussions to resume.
The ad was shown on Friday during Game 1 of Major League Baseball’s World Series, featuring the Toronto Blue Jays against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Their advertisement was supposed to be taken down IMMEDIATELY, yet they allowed it to air again last night during the World Series, despite knowing it was a FRAUD,” Trump wrote.
He continued, “Due to their serious misrepresentation of facts and hostile behavior, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.”
Trump posted the message aboard Air Force One while en route to Malaysia — the first leg of his East Asia tour, which will primarily focus on trade matters.
Officials from the US Commerce Department, the White House, and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office have not yet responded to requests for comment.
