Experts call for regulated tobacco harm reduction framework
KARACHI: With tobacco use continuing to claim an estimated 164,000 lives annually in Pakistan, health and policy experts have called for urgent action to strengthen the country’s tobacco control strategy by introducing a regulated, evidence-based framework for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). While Pakistan has recorded a 15.7 percent decline in tobacco consumption between 2014 and 2024, experts…
Karachi is grappling with the ongoing toll of tobacco use, which claims approximately 164,000 lives each year in Pakistan. Health and policy experts are urging the implementation of a regulated, evidence-based Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) framework to address this pressing issue. While Pakistan has seen a 15.7 percent decrease in tobacco consumption from 2014 to 2024, the rate of decline is deemed insufficient to combat the magnitude of tobacco-related mortality.
Experts emphasize that in addition to prevention and cessation strategies, adult smokers who are unsuccessful in quitting should be granted access to scientifically validated, regulated alternatives to traditional cigarettes, accompanied by accurate information and appropriate medical guidance. Mirza M Abeer, founder of the Association for Smoking Alternatives in Pakistan (ASAP), stresses that although a decline in tobacco consumption is promising, the loss of 164,000 lives annually necessitates a more decisive approach.
The burden of smoking extends beyond individual well-being, straining Pakistan's healthcare system, household finances, and the national economy. Lower-income communities, typically lacking access to specialized healthcare, cessation support, and reliable information, bear an undue share of this burden. Dr Saima Zahoor, a clinical oncologist, asserts that the ultimate goal is complete cessation of smoking, but when patients are unable to quit, healthcare professionals must provide evidence-based harm-reduction options and clarify relative risks to help patients transition away from combustible tobacco exposure.
Dr Aftab Ahmed Khan, a family physician and public health expert, reiterates that smoking is a preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, and every additional year of exposure poses a risk. Thus, while complete cessation remains paramount, for smokers who find it difficult to quit, mitigating exposure to the harmful byproducts of combustion can serve as a crucial step.
Medical professionals require clear, evidence-based guidance to assist these patients responsibly. Experts call upon policymakers to establish a science-based THR framework, complete with rigorous product standards, safeguards against youth access, and clear direction for healthcare professionals.
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