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.ISLAMABAD: Weeks after a brief but intense four-day aerial clash between India and Pakistan, global defense analysts, think tanks, and media outlets are praising the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its strategic discipline and operational superiority—while casting a critical spotlight on India’s military shortcomings.
The conflict, triggered by India’s aggressive posture and confidence in its imported high-end weaponry, resulted in the loss of at least six Indian fighter jets, including three advanced French Rafales, according to international defense reports.
India’s military gamble not only failed militarily but also inflicted massive economic damage. The Indian stock market reportedly lost over USD 86 billion in the days following the conflict due to investor panic and a collapse of military confidence.
In stark contrast, Pakistan’s use of indigenously developed JF-17 Thunder Block III jets—equipped with advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems—proved decisive. A precision airstrike on India’s S-400 missile defense system near Adampur stunned military analysts worldwide, exposing vulnerabilities in what was considered an impenetrable defense shield.
Global Acclaim, Strategic Blow to Indian Doctrine
International coverage has largely favored Pakistan’s performance:
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CNN cited Pakistan’s “calibrated air superiority.”
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BBC reported on the PAF’s “electronic warfare dominance.”
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The New York Times remarked, “Pakistan’s JF-17s embarrassed India’s Rafales.”
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The Washington Post declared, “India’s war gamble imploded.”
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Al Jazeera described the PAF’s tactics as a “textbook case of modern military deterrence.”
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Le Monde and Le Figaro questioned India’s Rafale procurement.
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Xinhua and Global Times praised Pakistan’s ability to neutralize S-400 systems.
Meanwhile, leading defense journals such as Jane’s Defence Weekly, The Aviationist, and Military Watch Magazine analyzed Pakistan’s EW strategies as a benchmark in asymmetric aerial warfare.
Renowned global think tanks—including SIPRI, IISS, RUSI, and CSIS—confirmed that Pakistan’s air force demonstrated superior integration, coordination, and combat readiness.
The conflict has further cemented Pakistan’s image as a disciplined, technologically adept regional power, while raising serious doubts about India’s military doctrine, procurement priorities, and battlefield cohesion.
