The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a cold weather alert, warning that severe cold conditions are expected to continue until January 16. According to details that surfaced on Sunday, the PDMA circulated an official notification to several departments, including tourism, education, health, agriculture, local government, forestry, and other relevant bodies. The notification aims...
In the heart of Shakarparian, one of Islamabad’s oldest green spaces, the calm of the morning was shattered. Instead of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves, there was a frantic roar, chainsaws cutting through century,old branches. High above, a Golden Oriole flitted in panic. On the forest floor, wild boars and jackals ran across...
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are influenced by many aspects of daily life, including sleep patterns, work pressures, relationships, and social surroundings. Recently, nutrition has also emerged as a major factor in regulating emotions. What we eat can have a direct impact on our brain chemistry, hormone balance, and the body’s ability to handle stress....
Have you ever picked up your phone for “just five minutes,” only to realize an hour has vanished? That’s not just wasted time; it’s brain rot. A silent mental decay that weakens your focus, emotions, and creativity from within, and most people don’t even notice it happening. We are becoming digital zombies, endlessly scrolling through...
Tax Increase on tobacco and nicotine products would not only serve as a strong deterrent to tobacco use but also significantly contribute to improving public health outcomes and strengthening national fiscal revenues Islamabad: 25 March 2025: A delegation of Aurat Foundation called on Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination...
Health is recognized as a constitutional right in 140 countries worldwide. However, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is not among them. It is even more surprising to consider the disregard for this “value” assigned to health in a country that ranks 164th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index. The theme of World...
Experts and anti-tobacco activists have recommended increasing tobacco taxes to strengthen the economy. The Society for the Protection of Rights of the Child, in a statement, welcomed the appointment of Muhammad Aurangzeb as finance minister and urged him to consider tobacco tax as a possible tool to strengthen the economy. Such initiatives could potentially offer...
Rethinking Tobacco Taxation in Pakistan: A Call for Immediate Reforms Introduction The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control[i] (FCTC) aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of tobacco consumption. Tobacco taxation, a key FCTC measure, remains underutilized in several low and middle-income countries including Pakistan. The lack of a proper policy has resulted in a weak tobacco...
In recent years, the battle against tobacco has been marked by both progress and persistent challenges. The tobacco industry, known for its resourcefulness, spent billions of dollars on advertising globally. This demonstrates the industry’s determination to maintain its market presence in the face of growing global restrictions. The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco...
Smokeless tobacco consumption, particularly Naswar, has gained significant prevalence in Pakistan, posing grave threats to public health. There is an urgent need to investigate the comprehensive regulation of Naswar, delving into the critical aspects surrounding Naswar and other forms of smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco consumption, specifically the use of Naswar, has been a long-standing...