Islamabad, Sep 7: Given its long-term effects on the economy and public health, smoking continues to be a major issue in Pakistan. It is not just about the rates of smoking that exist today; it is also about the wider ramifications that this habit has on society.
The over-reliance on taxes as a deterrent is one of the main problems with Pakistan’s present smoking cessation policy. In theory, this strategy seems to be working, but it has unexpected implications. Smokers frequently resort to less expensive, lower-quality substitutes as the cost of regulated tobacco products rises.
This change raises mortality rates and increases public health expenses while simultaneously failing to address the root reasons of smoking. This tactic may lead to increased public defiance and acceptance of smoking if suitable alternatives aren’t provided.
Therefore, it is necessary to reevaluate Pakistan’s current tobacco control efforts. The nation should think about incorporating Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) techniques into its policy rather than concentrating on taxing. Pakistan may assist smokers in making less dangerous decisions by providing them with items like vape pens and oral nicotine pouches, which have been shown by science to be less harmful than smoking.The government may address a number of issues that affect smoking behavior in addition to helping to lower the number of smokers by disseminating accurate information and encouraging THR alternatives.
