HEC, HSA Join Forces to Push for Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Campuses Across Pakistan

Hamid Khan Wazir

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and the Health Services Academy (HSA) have joined forces to develop actionable strategies for making educational institutions across the country tobacco- and nicotine-free, with experts warning that the growing use of vapes and e-cigarettes poses a serious concern for students.

Co-chaired by Director General HEC Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo and Dr. Nazish Babar from Bacha Khan Medical College & Hospital Swabi, the workshop was brought together key stakeholders, health experts, academic leaders and youth.

On this occasion, Dean Allied Health Sciences and Head of the Department of Lung Diseases and Tobacco Control Dr. Matiur Rahman delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for tobacco-and nicotine-free campuses. He discussed challenges in enforcement and outlined a strategic way forward.

He also warned that the rising use of emerging nicotine products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, poses a serious concern for students. Emphasising that educational institutions must remain safe and healthy environments, he described the workshop as an important step towards developing unified and enforceable policies.

Participants of the interactive workshop engaged in two rounds of intensive brainstorming and group activities. They collaboratively designed targeted campaign strategies for tobacco-free campuses.