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 States has sanctioned 398 companies in more than a dozen countries, including some Indian companies, in a significant effort to crack down on international assistance to Russia in its war in Ukraine.
The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury and Department of Homeland Security, are against organisations that are alleged to support the military capabilities of Russia or assist Moscow in evading the current sanctions imposed by the US and its allies since the invasion started in February 2022, according to the Times of India.
US authorities believe that 274 of the blacklisted companies have provided high-technology military equipment to Russia. These are manufacturers who are involved in the production and assembly of equipment used in the current conflict.
Individuals are also subject to sanctions, such as senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Defence and employees of major defence companies. Moreover, the US has targeted Chinese firms and Belarusian citizens suspected of helping Moscow.
The action is part of the ongoing attempt by Washington to diminish the capability of Russia to maintain its military activities. Thousands of sanctions have been imposed on people and organisations associated with the Kremlin, especially in the defence and energy sectors, since the war began.
Nevertheless, there are still doubts about the effectiveness of these measures in general. Nevertheless, Russia has been able to preserve and even increase the aspects of its military and economic operations despite the comprehensive regime of sanctions, thanks in large part to the continued export of oil and gas to foreign markets.
One of the companies listed in the new set of sanctions is Indian firm Futurevo, which is alleged to have provided essential parts that are used in the Orlan surveillance drones in Russia. Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited is another Indian company that has been charged with the illegal export of US-branded technologies to Russia, which is estimated to be worth millions of dollars since 2023.
The fact that Indian companies are included in this sanctions list may have serious consequences on international trade relations, particularly since Washington is still exerting pressure on nations to abandon economic collaboration with Moscow.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, this new move is an indication that Washington is determined to squeeze the global networks that supply resources to the Russian military. It is yet to be seen how these sanctions will affect the mentioned firms and the geopolitical processes as a whole.
