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.KARACHI: A teenage boy was found hanging in a house in Arafat Town, North Nazimabad, within the jurisdiction of the Taimuria police station. The boy reportedly took his own life due to distress over academic difficulties at school.
The deceased’s body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) for legal formalities, where he was identified as 14-year-old Abdul Ghani. SHO Taimuria, Sub-Inspector (SI) Qaiser Imtiaz, stated that the deceased, a seventh-grade student, used a dupatta (scarf) to hang himself due to academic stress.
The deceased’s uncle, Arshad, declined to pursue further legal action. After the completion of legal formalities, the boy’s body was handed over to his family.
In another incident, a resident of House No. B-401 in Saima Arabian Villas, within the jurisdiction of the Manghopir police station, was found dead with a gunshot wound.
The body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), where he was identified as 50-year-old Iftikhar Ahmed. Initial investigations revealed that the deceased’s family heard a gunshot from his room, rushed to the scene, and found Ahmed dead.
Police said the incident appeared to be a case of suicide; however, further investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
