Pakistan Needs Tobacco Harm Reduction for a Healthier Future
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- March 20, 2025
- 12:45 pm
- 41
- Food & Lifestyle
Tobacco Harm Reduction in Pakistan: A Safer Path Forward
Tobacco harm reduction in Pakistan is essential as smoking continues to be a major health crisis. Over 31 million Pakistanis smoke, and more than 160,000 people die each year due to smoking-related diseases. Despite strict tobacco control policies, smoking rates remain high. Traditional methods have failed to help many smokers quit.
For smokers who do not want to quit, tobacco harm reduction in Pakistan can offer safer alternatives. Many countries now promote harm reduction strategies to minimize health risks linked to smoking.
How Tobacco Harm Reduction Can Help
Harm reduction focuses on providing safer alternatives to smoking rather than forcing people to quit immediately. Smoke-free products like nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and vapes can reduce harm by eliminating combustion.
Globally, 144 million smokers have switched to these alternatives. Countries with harm reduction policies regulate these products to ensure safety, clear labeling, and responsible marketing. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zyn nicotine pouches, recognizing them as a better alternative for smokers.
Pakistan’s Resistance to Harm Reduction
Despite global progress, Pakistan has yet to fully embrace harm reduction strategies. Anti-tobacco organizations (ATOs) oppose these alternatives, influencing government policies to restrict their use. They focus only on banning nicotine products rather than understanding the benefits of safer alternatives.
Products like Zyn nicotine pouches, vapes, and heated tobacco products are available in Pakistan, but ATOs push for more restrictions. They ignore scientific research showing that nicotine itself is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Instead, it is the combustion process that releases harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide.
The Need for a Scientific Approach
Pakistan needs a science-based approach to address its smoking crisis. Countries that have adopted harm reduction policies have seen lower smoking rates and fewer smoking-related deaths.
By allowing regulated smoke-free alternatives, Pakistan can help millions of smokers reduce their health risks. A balanced regulatory framework can prevent unregulated products while ensuring smokers have access to safer options.
Conclusion
Tobacco harm reduction in Pakistan can save lives by offering safer alternatives to smoking. The government must adopt a practical and science-backed policy rather than banning nicotine products outright. With the right approach, Pakistan can reduce smoking-related deaths and move toward a healthier future.
