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: The curtain on the second day of the World Culture Festival 2024 unfurled on a brilliant artistic note, headlined by celebrated Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour’s riveting absurdist dramedy White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, enthralling a global audience at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.
The prestigious festival showcases artists from 40 countries in the port city of Pakistan, highlighting their talents and diverse art forms.
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, performed by Nadia Jamila and Sarmad Khoosat, is produced by Kanwal Khoosat. It is an internationally acclaimed work of art that follows the story of an actor who must open the script on stage, in front of the audience, knowing nothing of its content and being instructed to prepare an animal impression.
The play has been described by theatre experts as an audacious theatrical experiment and a potent reminder of the transgressive and transformative power of theatre.
Notably, Soleimanpour, who was forbidden from leaving his native Iran, wrote a play that traveled the world in his place.
The performance was met with praise from a keen theatre-loving audience gathered at the Arts Council from around the world.
It’s worth noting that the festival came to life with vibrant energy as Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, alongside the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, inaugurated it.
The event radiated cultural richness, drawing diplomats from across the globe, including representatives from Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Oman, who gathered to celebrate the diversity of global arts and cultures.
On this occasion, Governor Tessori stated there was no precedent for such a festival in Pakistan’s history. He expressed his honour in being invited by Shah and extended a warm welcome to the artists coming from 40 countries.
The festival will feature over 100 cultural performances and more than 450 artists, including Pakistani and international theatre, music, and dance groups, as well as fine art exhibitions.
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