For years, Pakistan has leaned on strict tobacco control measures, including heavy taxation and smoking prohibitions. Despite these efforts, smoking remains widespread. A key factor often overlooked in these policies is that it is the combustion in smoking that emits hazardous chemicals, not nicotine itself. Banning smoking does not eliminate smokers’ dependence on nicotine; instead, it forces them to seek alternatives, often from unregulated sources, exacerbating public health concerns. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products, such as oral nicotine pouches and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), provide smoke-free options that significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while still addressing nicotine dependence.
Peshawar’s recent designation as a smoke-free district underscores this challenge. The policy prohibits tobacco use in all public spaces without offering designated smoking areas. The move raises concerns about its practical implementation in Pakistan’s socio-economic environment. With millions of smokers in the country, outright bans may simply shift nicotine consumption rather than addressing its underlying causes. Additionally, many smokers remain unaware of alternative options provided by THR strategies –an area where government intervention is still lacking.
Global trends suggest that offering reduced-risk alternatives is more effective than prohibition. For instance, Sweden has significantly cut smoking rates by promoting oral nicotine pouches, while Japan has witnessed a decline in smoking due to the growing popularity of HTPs. These alternatives provide smokers with less harmful choices without forcing abrupt cessation, proving that harm reduction is a more sustainable solution.
To effectively lower smoking rates, Pakistan must reconsider its strategy. Instead of enforcing blanket bans, authorities should focus on regulating and promoting THR products. Ensuring their availability and educating the public about their reduced risks can play a crucial role in combating the smoking crisis. A collaborative approach involving policymakers, medical experts, and industry stakeholders is essential to developing a balanced, harm reduction-focused strategy.
