Pakistan is grappling with a major public health challenge due to the widespread prevalence of smoking. Despite various efforts over the years, millions of people continue to smoke, exposing themselves to harmful chemicals and increasing their risk of serious health issues. Current policies have proven ineffective, leaving the country vulnerable to long-term consequences.
A recently published global report titled “Integrating Harm Reduction into Tobacco Control” highlighted a crucial finding: over 1.2 million lives in Pakistan could potentially be saved through a more effective approach—one focused on reducing the harms associated with smoking.
This key insight was reinforced at the recent Initiative on Risk Reduction and Dependable Alternatives (IRADA) seminar, where public health officials, NGO representatives, and tobacco control experts urged the urgent adoption of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies.
“The time has come to transition to far more effective and globally accepted tobacco harm reduction strategies if we wish to save over 1.2 million precious lives in Pakistan,” said a representative at the seminar. THR products, such as oral nicotine pouches, pose significantly fewer risks than smoking.
They offer a practical solution by reducing exposure to harmful toxins, acknowledging that not everyone is ready to quit smoking altogether.
Experts noted that THR products could lower toxic exposure by 80% and reduce smoking-related premature deaths by 70%.
By embracing these alternatives, Pakistan has an opportunity to significantly decrease smoking-related diseases and fatalities, ultimately improving public health outcomes nationwide.
