Restrict underage access to nicotine pouches and vaping devices

Dear Editor,

The use of nicotine pouches and vaping devices among the teenagers across Pakistan is increasing rapidly. Both the nicotine pouches and vaping devices are not for people under 18 years of age. However, we all know that implementation of regulations in Pakistan mostly remains weak, and sometimes completely missing. As underage cigarette smoking remains a serious issue, there is an urgent need to ensure that young people do not have easy access to nicotine pouches and vaping devices. The federal and provincial governments should ensure that underage buying of nicotine pouches and vaping devices is strictly prohibited. In this regard, the role of district administrations is critical. Additionally, there is a need for transparency who is selling and who is buying nicotine pouches and vaping devices. Though it will require resources and technology, the buyers of nicotine pouches and vaping devices should be recorded digitally at the point of sale throughout Pakistan. Similarly, this can also be applied to buyers of cigarettes. This will not only provide valuable data regarding the buyers of nicotine pouches, vapes, and cigarettes, it will also give us an accurate picture of tobacco use in Pakistan.