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: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday telephoned Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and discussed with him the tense relations between the PPP and the PML-N after leaders of both parties, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, indulged in a tirade against each other.
The president asked the interior minister to immediately come to Karachi and see him.
Also, on Monday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Ali Qasim Gilani said that although the party did not engage in politics of division and hatred, still if someone would point fingers at the party leadership, he and others would respond.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore with PPP Central Punjab Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema sitting alongside him, he said that the Punjab government had crossed the ‘Red Line’ on several occasions.
“We have not entered into an agreement with the provincial government that we will always heap praise on it,” he said, and added that the situation had come to a pass that now it appeared as if the PPP was in the opposition.
He further said that he and other PPP MNAs and MPAs enjoyed the mandate of the people of the province. He also lamented that inappropriate language was used against the first lady of Pakistan. “The PPP is going to distribute the ration worth Rs2.50 million among the flood-hit people.”
Gilani lamented that on September 25, Punjab CM Maryam used inappropriate language against the Sindh government. “Can anybody tell me, was it the PPP or the PML-N whose leadership took the lead in the use of offensive language against each other?” he questioned.
Accepting Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon’s challenge for a debate, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said on Monday that had the Punjab government not been prepared, the loss from the floods in the province would have been colossal. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she said that most of the people could not see the Punjab government performing.
She lamented that whenever the province was confronted with a difficult situation, some people engaged in politics. “Those who cannot do anything, merely talk.” Azma informed that cheques would be distributed among the flood-affected people from October 17.
On the occasion, she also announced an increase in the salaries of Civil Defence employees by Rs15,000. In reference to a press conference addressed by Sharjeel on Sunday, she said the detractors of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were so frightened by her performance that one of the ministers had to address a presser on a weekly off. “If one gets something to learn from sisters, do not feel shy to learn,” she advised.
Also read:Punjab Govt Withdraws Security from Gilani’s Sons
