KARACHI:
Over the years, the number of smokers has consistently risen in Pakistan. Presently, there are at least 2.9 million smokers in the country. Individuals as young as 14 years old have been found consuming cigarettes regularly. Poor law enforcement has paved the way for the illicit cigarette trade. We need to deter tobacco usage to protect the health and safety of our population.
Scientific progress in the field of alternative and safe nicotine control must be utilised to control the ever-increasing use of tobacco in Pakistan. Many developed countries have set goals to completely end smoking in the next two decades with tobacco harm reduction being an essential part of their smoking cessation strategies. For example, Sweden is on the verge of becoming a tobacco-free country because of its strategy of helping smokers switch to less harmful alternative products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and vapes.
It is high time that Pakistan follows suit and takes all partners into confidence to achieve a tobacco-free nation. The government should consult with all stakeholders and formulate a policy that will effectively curb smoking. The theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day was “We need food, not tobacco”, which serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising health and well-being over harmful habits. As citizens, we must also play our part in raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and supporting the enforcement of anti-smoking laws. We must work together to make Pakistan a tobacco-free country and ensure a healthier future for our nation.
Muhammad Faizan Ali
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2023.
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