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HEC and HSA discuss strategies for tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses

Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission and the Health Services Academy have brought together health experts, academic leaders and young people to discuss strategies for tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses. The workshop focused on developing approaches to address tobacco and emerging nicotine products in educational institutions.

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Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Health Services Academy (HSA) held a workshop to discuss strategies for tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses. The session brought together health experts, academic leaders and young people to consider approaches for educational institutions across the country.

The workshop, titled “Protecting the Next Generation: Tobacco-and Nicotine-Free Campuses”, was co-chaired by HEC Director General Engr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo and Dr. Nazish Babar of Bacha Khan Medical College & Hospital Swabi.

In a keynote address, Dr. Matiur Rahman, Dean of Allied Health Sciences and Head of the Department of Lung Diseases and Tobacco Control, discussed the need for tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses, challenges in enforcement and possible steps forward. He raised concern about the use of emerging nicotine products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, among students, and said educational institutions should remain safe and healthy environments.

Participants took part in two rounds of group activities and brainstorming, developing campaign strategies for tobacco-free campuses. The workshop was presented as a step towards unified and enforceable policies.

Key takeaway

HEC and HSA convened stakeholders to discuss campus strategies, while workshop participants developed campaign approaches for tobacco-free campuses.

Key points to remember

  • HEC Pakistan and the Health Services Academy held a workshop on tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses.
  • The workshop brought together health experts, academic leaders and young people.
  • Participants developed campaign strategies for tobacco-free campuses through group activities.
  • The keynote address discussed enforcement challenges and the use of vapes and e-cigarettes among students.

Frequently asked questions

What was the purpose of the HEC and HSA workshop?

It brought stakeholders together to develop strategies for tobacco- and nicotine-free campuses in educational institutions.

Who took part in the workshop?

The article says health experts, academic leaders and young people participated.

What did participants work on?

They took part in brainstorming and group activities to design campaign strategies for tobacco-free campuses.

Source Acknowledgement

This article is adapted from "HEC, HSA explore strategies for tobacco-and nicotine-free campuses", published by Islamabad Post on 20 October 2026. Smoke Free News has rewritten and summarised the report for clarity.

Source: Islamabad Post

Published
21 Oct 2026
Last verified
21 Oct 2026
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