Tackling Pakistan's High Smoking Rate Through Nicotine Pouches

According to the Pakistani media PakObserver, on May 14, Pakistan's smoking rate is a staggering 24%, with symptoms of addiction to smoking already posing a major challenge to public health and economic development. Smoking-related diseases, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, stroke, and tuberculosis, will undoubtedly put even greater pressure on the already burdened healthcare system, leading to population decrease and severe economic losses.

Despite the efforts of the Pakistani government to control smoking, they have still not been able to achieve their smoking control goals. The current methods of smoking control are clearly outdated and ineffective. However, a glimmer of hope is emerging in the form of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), with oral nicotine pouches being seen as a viable alternative.

According to the latest global report "Incorporating Harm Reduction into Tobacco Control," intervention measures such as promoting nicotine pouches have the potential to effectively reduce premature deaths caused by smoking. By using nicotine pouches, consumers can satisfy their craving for nicotine without being exposed to harmful substances produced by combustion.

If nicotine pouches were to be widely accepted by the population of Pakistan, the current alarming smoking rate of 34.3% would decrease to 8% by 2045, and further drop to 5% by 2060. This would have a significant impact on the current smoking-related mortality rate, reducing it from the current 163,000 deaths per year to 114,000 by 2045, and even further to 76,000 by 2060. Additionally, the economic burden of smoking in Pakistan is as high as Rs 615.07 billion (approximately $3.85 billion), accounting for 1.6% of the country's GDP.

However, moving towards a smoke-free future is not without difficulties. Despite evidence proving the effectiveness of reduced harm products in reducing tobacco-related harm, policymakers are cautious about implementing them. To address this issue and reduce smoking rates, multiple measures must be taken. Additionally, taxes on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) alternatives should be reduced to support their availability and accessibility.

Promoting alternatives like nicotine pouches can help alleviate Pakistan's economic burden by reducing and treating smoking-related health care costs. By encouraging the adoption of these smokeless products, policymakers can redirect resources to other areas of the economy. Including nicotine pouches as an option can help smokers satisfy their nicotine cravings while avoiding the harmful substances produced by combustion.