Report: ANI Reporter:
ISLAMABAD — Vice Chancellors and Rectors of leading universities across Pakistan have signed a historic charter to make university campuses tobacco- and nicotine-free, aiming to protect young people from addiction and promote a healthier educational environment.
The charter was approved during the 5th monthly meeting of the Vice Chancellors and Rectors Forum, hosted by COMSATS University Islamabad at its Central Library. University leaders and representatives from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir participated.
Under the initiative, universities will develop joint action plans to eliminate tobacco use, smoking, vaping and recreational nicotine consumption on campuses. Measures include student-led awareness campaigns, research, institutional monitoring and annual progress reviews.
The forum also decided to forward the signed charter and a joint letter to the Prime Minister through the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to support national-level policy measures.
Welcoming participants, COMSATS University Islamabad Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar highlighted the evolving role of university leadership amid rapid technological developments, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, and their impact on research and higher education.
The forum also discussed academic, regulatory and financial challenges facing universities. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to institutional cooperation, evidence-based policymaking, research and reforms to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education sector.
