Smoking poses a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, contributing to a multitude of health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking claims eight million lives globally each year, with an additional 1.2 million deaths attributed to second-hand smoke. Shockingly, Pakistan ranks as the fifth-most populous country in the world, with an estimated 27 million adult smokers, placing it seventh in terms of tobacco use.
Despite increased global recognition of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) as a strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of smoking, its adoption faces barriers in Pakistan, ranging from regulatory challenges and policy resistance to disparities in healthcare access. One of the main challenges in implementing THR strategies in Pakistan is the pervasive lack of awareness among the general population regarding less harmful alternatives, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Pakistan shares the global challenge of reducing smoking prevalence, especially in poor and marginalized communities. It is alarming that a significant proportion of the world’s smokers reside in low-income and middle-income countries. This underscores the inadequacy of existing tobacco control strategies in Pakistan, including those outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which fails to address the latest evidence on innovative nicotine delivery services.
Policymakers and public health authorities exhibit reluctance to endorse or regulate THR products, prolonging barriers to their acceptance and integration into smoking cessation efforts. Without a standardized approach to evaluate these alternatives, Pakistan’s regulatory framework struggles to distinguish between various smoking cessation aids effectively, impeding access to potentially less harmful options for smokers seeking alternatives to combustibles.
To address these challenges, Pakistan needs to adopt a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among policymakers, doctors, public health advocates, and stakeholders. Clear regulatory frameworks and targeted awareness campaigns are vital to educate the public about THR products and dispel misconceptions. Engaging healthcare professionals in decision-making processes will ensure evidence-based strategies and prioritize public health concerns.
Efforts to combat the illicit tobacco trade must be intensive, with a focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and raising public awareness. Taxation policies should be revised to reflect the relative risks of different tobacco products, with higher taxes imposed on conventional cigarettes compared to THR alternatives. Investing in independent research tailored to Pakistan’s specific needs and challenges is essential to inform evidence-based policy formulation. Physicians play a pivotal role in promoting harm reduction strategies and providing rational guidance to their patients. Clear marketing guidelines and labeling will also help in distinguishing between various products, further aiding in harm reduction efforts.
By integrating THR strategies and scientific expertise into regulatory framework, Pakistan can effectively evaluate the harm of tobacco products, ultimately alleviating the health burden of smoking-related diseases and fostering a smoke-free future for all citizens.
