Pakistan at crossroads in battle against smoking

Pakistan is grappling with an alarming smoking prevalence. Despite various tobacco control measures, the rate of smoking remains high, reflecting the failure of current anti-smoking policies.

A recent study examining 390 million individuals across the Middle East, as well as Pakistan and Egypt, revealed that 61 million adults are smokers, with many at risk of severe well-being complications by 2060.

The study proposes Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) as a more promising solution. THR provides adult smokers who may not want to quit with access to reduced-risk alternatives, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs), vapes, and oral nicotine pouches.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which has long campaigned against smoking without endorsing THR products, acknowledges that smoking rates in these regions are expected to see only a slight reduction unless substantial changes are made, according to the study.

Countries like Japan and Sweden, which have embraced THR along with appropriate regulation and taxation policies, are making significant strides in reducing smoking prevalence.

However, Pakistan has been reluctant to adopt harm reduction strategies, largely due to resistance from Anti-Tobacco Organizations (ATOs). This approach has proven ineffective, as smoking rates remain persistently high, underscoring the need for a fresh perspective.

The WHO, as a leading global health authority, should take the lead in influencing ATOs to reconsider their stance on THR. By acknowledging the effectiveness of these alternatives in reducing smoking-related harm, WHO can guide ATOs in Pakistan and beyond to support harm reduction strategies.