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.SYLHET: Off-spinner Omaima Sohail’s maiden five-wicket haul led Pakistan to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the the 21st match of the Women’s Asia Cup at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh on Tuesday afternoon.
It was Pakistan women’s fifth victory out of six outings in the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
With the win, Pakistan finished second on the points table with 10 points. The team will now take on Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on Thursday, October 13.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. However, they were countered by right-arm off-spinner Sohail, who managed a breakthrough and took Nilakshi de Silva’s wicket in the first over, the PCB added.
In her next two overs, Sohail bagged four more wickets — two in every over.
Meanwhile, spin twin Nida Dar and Tuba Hasan shared three wickets, after which Sri Lanka were dismissed for 112 in the 19th over. For Sri Lanka, their captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with a 26-ball 41, which included nine fours.
When Pakistan came to bat, the opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin provided a 28-run start in 4.1 overs. After Sidra’s departure, batters kept returning back to the hut leaving the team struggling at 51 for four in 9.2 overs.
However, when Aliya Riaz joined Nida, the pair added a crucial 45-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
After Aliya’s departure (20, 26b, three fours), Ayesha Naseem joined Nida in the middle and helped Pakistan achieve the target on the penultimate ball of the 19th over.
Right-handed batter Ayesha scored an unbeaten 16 off five balls, which included two sixes struck in the 19th over to finish the match. Nida returned undefeated on 26 off 28, hitting one four, and knitting 17 runs for the sixth wicket.
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