Pakistan’s alarming smoking prevalence casts a long shadow over its public health and economic prosperity. With an astounding 24 million active smokers, the country is grappling with a multitude of smoking-related diseases, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, stroke, and tuberculosis. The heavy burden on the healthcare system not only leads to loss of life but also causes significant economic losses.
Despite efforts to curb smoking, Pakistan has yet to achieve its tobacco control goals, and current methods seem outdated and ineffective. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), introducing oral nicotine pouches as a viable alternative.
According to a recently released global report titled “Incorporating Harm Reduction into Tobacco Control,” THR interventions, including the promotion of nicotine pouches, are expected to reduce premature deaths caused by smoking. These pouches offer smokers a smokeless experience, satisfying their nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of combustion.
The report paints a compelling picture of THR’s potential impact in Pakistan. If nicotine pouches were adopted nationwide, the current smoking rate, a worrying 34.3%, could drop to just 8% by 2045 and further to 5% by 2060. This would translate into a significant reduction in smoking-related deaths, from the current 163,000 annually to 114,000 in 2045 and 76,000 in 2060. Additionally, the economic loss caused by smoking in Pakistan is staggering, amounting to PKR 615.07 billion (USD 3.85 billion), equivalent to 1.6% of the country’s GDP.
Salman, a former smoker from Lahore, reflected on his experience using nicotine pouches after quitting smoking. “Adopting nicotine pouches was transformative for me, especially considering the damage smoking had done to my lungs. I used to suffer from breathing problems and a constant heaviness in my chest due to smoking. But since switching to nicotine pouches, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my respiratory health. I firmly believe these new products have the potential to help people transition to less harmful alternatives,” Salman shared.
However, the road to a smoke-free future is not without obstacles. Despite evidence of the efficacy of tobacco harm reduction products, policymakers have been hesitant to embrace them. Addressing this challenge and maximizing the reduction in smoking rates requires a multifaceted approach. Tax relief for THR alternatives should be implemented to support their accessibility and adoption.
Promoting alternatives like nicotine pouches can reduce healthcare costs associated with treating smoking-related diseases, thereby alleviating Pakistan’s economic burden from smoking. By encouraging the adoption of these smokeless products, policymakers can redirect resources to other economic sectors.
