As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants marketing authorization to Zyn nicotine pouches, countries worldwide are increasingly acknowledging alternative nicotine products as part of their public health strategies. Yet, Pakistan remains hesitant to take a definitive stance on regulating these products, leaving millions of smokers without better alternatives.
With over 25 million tobacco users, Pakistan faces a major public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that smoking-related illnesses claim over 160,000 lives annually in the country, with associated economic losses reaching USD 3.85 billion in 2019 alone. As nations like the U.S. and many European countries embrace harm reduction measures, Pakistan’s lack of regulatory clarity for nicotine pouches represents a significant policy gap.
Currently, nicotine pouches like Zyn and Velo are available in Pakistan, but they exist in a legal gray area. Unlike the U.S., where the FDA ensures product quality and safety, Pakistan has no formal oversight, raising concerns about product standards and consumer awareness. Without regulation, these alternatives remain misunderstood and underutilized despite their potential to reduce smoking-related health risks.
International examples illustrate the benefits of harm reduction. Many European countries are on a track to becoming smoke-free countries with smoking rates dropping just to 4:5% – a success largely attributed to adoption of better nicotine alternatives.
The FDA’s recent decision to authorize Zyn reinforces this approach, emphasizing the role of regulated, reduced-risk products in mitigating smoking-related harm.
For Pakistan, the pressing question is whether it will align with evolving global strategies or continue to lag in providing harm reduction alternatives. Given high smoking rates and economic pressures, implementing a regulatory framework for nicotine pouches could provide smokers with a better alternative while reducing the healthcare burden. Addressing this policy gap now could make a significant difference in public health outcomes.
The FDA’s authorization of Zyn is more than a regulatory milestone—it signals a shift in how nicotine alternatives are viewed worldwide. Pakistan must decide whether to acknowledge these changes and integrate harm reduction into its policies or risk missing a crucial opportunity to improve public health.
