ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan continues to grapple with the endemic of combustible smoking, the country needs to review, debate and adopt groundbreaking advances in safer nicotine alternatives to achieve smoke free future.
“Today more than ever the government needs to take along all stakeholders in planning for and achieving a smoke free Pakistan,”
said Arshad Ali Syed, Project Director of Alternative Research Initiative (ARI).
He added that May 21, 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). “It is high time to see how far we have come in achieving the aim of tobacco control. Unfortunately, we have not come that far.”
Today Pakistan has more than 31 million adults (15 years and above) who are tobacco users. Of them, 17 million adults currently smoke cigarettes. On average a smoker consumes 13 cigarettes a day. Worryingly the implementation of laws and regulations regarding remains weak. At least 30% of smokers have reported buying loose cigarettes. The sale of loose cigarettes is prohibited.
Arshad added that today science is offering solutions that are helping developed countries set deadlines for completely ending combustible smoking over the next two decades. “Tobacco harm reduction is an important part of these countries’ smoke-free strategies.”
Sweden is set to become the world’s first “smoke-free” country, which is defined as less than 5% of the adult population smoking. Sweden is going to achieve the target 17 years ahead of the European Union’s 2040 target, as smoking prevalence rate has come down to 5.6% from 15% over the past 15 years. Sweden’s groundbreaking strategy includes assisting smokers switch to “less harmful” alternatives, such as snus, nicotine pouches and vapes.
He called upon the government to consult all stakeholders working on tobacco control in Pakistan and review the new safer tobacco alternatives with the intention of sensibly regulating them, instead of rejecting them. This consultation should include adult smokers as the most important stakeholder. “The adult smokers in Pakistan need help in the form of cessation services and proper knowledge and access to safer nicotine products to quit or switch.”
