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: The United Nations has inaugurated the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) in Islamabad, establishing a comprehensive and coordinated platform to support Pakistan in addressing the multifaceted challenges of migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.
Goals of the initiative
The initiative brings together the UN, the Government of Pakistan, civil society, private sector and media to ensure a unified response aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). At the event, hosted by UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, Pakistan’s first Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) program was also inaugurated.
The program will be jointly implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with national partners, said a statement.
Boosting Pakistan’s efforts
The new fund, the only global pooled financing mechanism dedicated to migration, means Pakistan will now have access to dedicated resources to fight trafficking and irregular migration through collaborative, practical projects.
“The establishment of this network is a testament to our collective resolve to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and regular,” said Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator”.
Yahya said the programme provides a crucial platform to shift the narrative on migration, amplify a unified voice, and foster the innovation needed to address complex challenges related to mobility and protecting the rights of all people on the move.
Role of International Organization for Migration
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a central role in the network, alongside the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan who will serve as the network’s Chair. The network will leverage partnerships across the UN system to promote policy coherence and integrate migration policies into the broader development goals.
