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.RAWALPINDI: Two Pakistan Army perssonel were martyred as they responded an attempt of terrorist from Afghanistan to cross the fence at Durand Line, said a statement of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
The ISPR stated that Lance Naik Asad of Kurram and Sepoy Asif of Lakki Marwat, were the army personnel embraced martyrdom during the terroist attack from across Afghanistan.
“On night 26-27 October 2021, terrorists from inside Afghanistan attempted to cross the fence along Pak – Afghan Border in district Kurram”, the ISPR statement said, adding that the troops initiated a prompt response and thwarted the attempted illegal crossing by engaging the terrorists.
However, during intense fire exchange, Lance Naik Asad, resident of Kurram, age 24 years and Sepoy Asif, resident of Lakki Marwat, age 21 years were martyred.
Pakistan strongly condemned the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that interim Afghan Government will not allow such activities against Pakistan, in future.
Pakistan Army is determined to guard Pakistan’s frontiers against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.
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