Call for Immediate Ban on E-cigarette Sales in Pakistan

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.25.2023
Call for Immediate Ban on E-cigarette Sales in Pakistan
Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control and Blue Veins urge Pakistan to immediately ban e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

According to a report by Pakistani media outlet Nation on December 22, the Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control and non-profit organization Blue Veins are urging Pakistan to immediately ban the sale of e-cigarettes and electronic vaporizers.

 

This action aligns with the recent guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommend treating e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products equally and emphasize a complete ban on all flavors.

 

According to the information revealed during the press conference, the focus was on the unregulated sale of these products and their detrimental impact on Pakistani teenagers. While e-cigarettes are generally believed to be safer than traditional cigarettes, the World Health Organization emphasized the urgent need for regulatory measures. Proposed measures include banning mint-flavored additives and implementing stricter tobacco control measures, such as higher taxes and a ban on public use.

 

In the case of Pakistan, e-cigarettes are being sold in an almost unregulated manner and are easily accessible to the public, especially young people. Their design and flavors, such as bubblegum and strawberry, target children and teenagers, making them more attractive than traditional tobacco products. This marketing strategy greatly increases their popularity among young people, despite the highly addictive nicotine content that poses serious health risks to young users.

 

Global e-cigarette users number approximately 55 million, with sales expected to reach $40 billion by 2023. Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States reveals that 19.1% of individuals are regular tobacco smokers, while 6.2% use e-cigarettes.

 

The alliance supports the World Health Organization's call for a ban on sales, and urges medical professionals to refrain from conducting unauthorized e-cigarette research, especially studies funded by the tobacco industry.

 

The project manager of "Blue Veins" urged the government at a press conference to take swift action, giving priority consideration to public health rather than industry profits.

 

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