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: The World Bank has projected Pakistan‘s inflation at 15 per cent nest year besides predicted financial deficit at eight per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for this year.
The Bank released a new report outlining the economic outlook for Pakistan, predicting a challenging period ahead with high inflation and modest growth.
The report stated that Pakistan’s inflation rate was expected to remain at a significant 26 per cent for the current fiscal year, with a slight decrease to 15 per cent projected for the next fiscal year.
The report details a modest economic growth rate of 1.8 per cent for the current fiscal year, with a slight improvement to 2.3 per cent anticipated for the next fiscal year. These figures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the Pakistani economy, including structural issues and external pressures.
In the agricultural and industrial sectors, growth is expected to be 2.2 per cent in the next financial year. This modest growth indicates a gradual recovery, though it remains below the potential for a country with a large and diverse economic base.
One of the critical indicators highlighted by the World Bank is the current account deficit, which is expected to be around 0.6 percent in the next financial year. This marks a slight improvement but underscores the need for continued fiscal management and reform.
The financial deficit presents a more concerning picture, with the report projecting it to reach 8 per cent of the GDP in the current fiscal year. This is expected to decrease to 7.4 per cent in the next fiscal year, indicating some fiscal tightening but still representing a significant challenge for economic stability.
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