APWA Participates in Consultative & Coordination Meeting on Protecting Youth from Tobacco & Emerging Products

All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) actively participated in the Consultative & Coordination Meeting on Protecting Youth from Tobacco and Emerging Products, organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) on November 26, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi. The session was convened to bring together policymakers, educators, civil society organizations, and subject experts to collectively assess policy gaps, share research findings, and strengthen inter-institutional coordination aimed at protecting children and youth from the growing threat of tobacco and emerging nicotine products.

APWA was represented by Project Director Ms. Rozina Khuwaja and Ms. Mehwish Siddiqui, Head Teacher of one of APWA’s schools. During the meeting, participants were presented with research highlighting the alarming increase in tobacco and nicotine use among young people, with particular emphasis on emerging products such as vapes, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine pouches like VELO, which are rapidly gaining popularity among youth.

The session saw active participation from Members of the Provincial and National Assemblies (MPAs and MNAs), officials from the Education Department, university faculty members, NGO representatives, and other key stakeholders. Discussions underscored the vital role of parents and educational institutions in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing substance use among children, alongside the urgent need for stronger government intervention.

Participants collectively emphasized the importance of stricter regulations, including limiting the promotion and visibility of tobacco and nicotine products in media, enforcing penalties on their sale and purchase, and implementing robust measures to restrict access for minors. The meeting concluded with a shared consensus that coordinated efforts between government bodies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations are essential to effectively curb and ultimately eliminate nicotine use among Pakistan’s youth.

The session provided APWA with valuable insights into emerging trends, policy challenges, and collaborative opportunities, further strengthening the Association’s commitment to advocating for a healthier, tobacco-free environment for children and young people across Pakistan.