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.WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its assistance in apprehending a terrorist involved in the attack on US forces during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation.
Addressing the joint session of US Congress, Trump revealed, “I want to thank, especially, the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster.”
He continued, “I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity.”
According to Axios, an American news outlet, Pakistan recently acted on CIA intelligence and detained a senior ISIS commander linked to the deadly “Abbey Gate bombing” during the US evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021.
US officials confirmed that Mohammad Sharifullah, a leader of an ISIS faction operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is believed to have orchestrated the August 26, 2021, attack that killed 13 US service members and approximately 170 Afghan citizens.
One US official with direct knowledge of the matter stated that Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” is being extradited to the US from Pakistan after being detained by the Pakistani Intelligence Service. Sharifullah is expected to arrive in the US on Wednesday, with an indictment against him set to be unsealed.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the person, whom she did not identify further, would be taken into US custody by the Justice Department, FBI and CIA.
“We hope this brings some closure to the families of the 13 American Heroes lost at Abbey Gate. We will continue to bring those who harm Americans to swift and decisive justice,” Bondi wrote on X.
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