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.LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Monday rejected the rumours about ministers getting COVID-19 vaccines and clarified that the vaccine has not arrived in Pakistan so far.
Dr Yasmin Rashid, while addressing a press conference today, said that rumors are circulating about the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to the ministers.
She clarified that the vaccines have not arrived in the country so far, however, the provincial government completed arrangements for launching the vaccination drive. “We would try our best to get the best vaccines for our people.”
While elaborating the preparations regarding the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccination drive in the province, she said that the government established 20 new laboratories amid the pandemic and PC-I of five more labs was also finalised.
She detailed that the province conducted 15,195 tests today, whereas, the total number of tests reached up to 2,730,000. The province could conduct 24,000 Covid tests in a day now, she added. The positivity rate of novel coronavirus in the provincial capital Lahore is low as compared to the other provinces.
“It would be very important to make preparation for the storage of vaccines. 2,385 refrigerators for vaccines are functional in each district.”
“We have prepared 76 master trainers for vaccination and the vaccines will be administered to the frontline health workers in its first phase before its administration to the elderly citizens aged above 65 during the second phase.”
“Cold rooms have been established everywhere for the preservation of vaccines, whereas, the vaccination facility will be available on 189 spots.”
The health minister urged the citizens to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs). She praised local authorities for maintaining the strict monitoring of Covid hotspot areas.
She said that the union council showed strictness when her children contracted coronavirus and kept a close eye on everyone to stop them from leaving the area. The local administration had performed their duties in an honest and responsible manner.
To a question, Rashid answered that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif had made a commitment with the provincial government to receive medical treatment abroad.
“I had contacted Sharif’s physician and asked him to send his medical reports. However, we have gotten no report so far since one year, but they kept insisting for his ailment whenever being asked to return. If he is so ill, then he cannot deliver back-to-back speeches like this.”
Rashid said that four more hospitals are being established in the province, whereas, seven mother and child hospitals are present in Punjab.
With input from INP
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