Islamabad: Rising tobacco and nicotine use among Pakistan’s youth, especially around educational institutions, emerged as the central concern at a national review session on tobacco control held by the Aurat Foundation in Islamabad.
Participants from Parliament, government departments, health organizations, and civil society warned that easy availability of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and flavored tobacco near schools is creating a growing public health threat. The discussion also pointed to a noticeable increase in tobacco use among women, indicating a shifting trend.
The session called for stronger legislation, faster policy action, and strict enforcement to counter the rapid spread of emerging nicotine products. Speakers emphasized that existing laws remain poorly implemented due to procedural delays, weak monitoring, and limited coordination between federal and provincial bodies.
The need for clear parental awareness, community engagement, and better recognition of new nicotine products was highlighted as an essential part of early prevention. Officials noted that families and schools often remain unaware of modern products marketed to young people.
Technical briefings identified major enforcement gaps and policy loopholes that allow the tobacco industry to expand its reach. Participants noted that companies are increasingly using social media trends, entertainment content, and youth-focused marketing to promote vaping in urban areas.
Government representatives reaffirmed ongoing federal efforts to implement the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 and to tighten regulations where required. Provincial representatives also announced plans to introduce new resolutions to strengthen tobacco control.
Education sector officials raised alarms over the rise of nicotine products around private institutions and called for tougher regulatory checks. Regulatory authorities stressed the need for a broader social movement to counter tobacco use nationwide.
Closing the event, the Aurat Foundation reiterated its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term public awareness initiatives aimed at building a healthier, tobacco-free society.WASHINGTON: The United States is spending more than $800 million only on Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) to protect Israel from the missiles from Iran and its allies like Houthies.
The reports of the US Media have reveled that the US used up a total of 15 to 20 per cent of the country’s advanced anti-missile system or Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) to bolster the defence against Iran’s retaliatory aerial strikes during the 12-day conflict in which Israel and the US struck the Iranian nuclear facilities.
US Media Reports further revelaed that Israel has long relied on the Lockheed Martin developed THAAD battery, for shielding against ballistic missiles from Iran or allies such as the Yemeni Houthis, .
The Pentagon press office told media person, “we have nothing to provide”, meaning no comments.
The US military operates seven THAAD batteries. An eighth, getting integrated into the Missile Defense Agency, is capable of tracking hypersonic missiles. The THAAD deployment to Israel is part of a broader challenge where supporting allies in conflict zones means using resources that could affect military readiness and future deployment.
The THAAD systems employed in Guam are part of the Guam Defense mission and are integral to ensuring the protection of Guam and the United States.
During the recent Israel-Iran conflict, the United States used an estimated 15 to 20 percent of its global THAAD missile interceptor stockpile, incurring unprecedented costs exceeding $800 million, Reports said while quoting the Bulgarian Military News and Military Watch Magazine.
Iran launched a major missile barrage on cities across Israel in response to attacks on its nuclear and military targets, prompting residents to seek shelter amid nationwide. They included older models such as the Ghadr and Emad, the medium-range Kheibar Shekan and the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile—which travels at up to Mach 15 and is hard to intercept.
The US restocked interceptor missiles for the THAAD system it deployed in Israel in 2024, amid concerns of shortage, said the US media.
A single THAAD interceptor costs about $12-15 million, according to estimates by multiple defense reports.
While the battery costs approximately $1.3 billion, the interceptor cost estimation for 2025 is $18 million for production only, increasing to $27 million with RDT&E (research, development, test, and evaluation) included.
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