TINY GIFTS: The tragic death of a young boy in India after he accidentally swallowed a small toy placed inside a consumer product package has once again highlighted the serious dangers associated with promotional marketing gimmicks that prioritise sales over public safety. While manufacturers may use such tactics to boost product demand, the risks posed by inserting tiny toys or similar objects inside food or consumer product packaging can lead to irreversible consequences, including choking incidents and loss of precious lives. It is, therefore, imperative for regulatory authorities, including those in Pakistan, to ensure that no promotional item capable of causing harm is included within product packages.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

MARKET FIRE: The recent fire at H-9 weekly market in Islamabad destroyed many stalls and caused heavy financial losses to hundreds of shopkeepers. Fortunately, emergency teams reached the spot and controlled the blaze, but many families lost their source of income. The incident highlights the need for better fire safety measures. The authorities should install fire alarms, provide firefighting equipment, inspect electrical wiring regularly, and ensure emergency exits are available. Traders should also receive training on fire prevention and emergency response. The authorities concerned should investigate the cause of the fire, compensate the affected shopkeepers, and take effective steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ayesha Iqbal
Islamabad

AN EFFECTIVE TOOL: After billions of dollars in expenditure and the loss of soldiers’ lives, the United States could not get a deal with Iran better than the 2015 nuclear agreement which was global in nature, involving all the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council as well as Germany. In addition, the agreement had placed Iran under extensive international monitoring. The current US administration seems to be more headstrong than practical.

Zahid Marri
Kohlu

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026