April 2022 Newsletter

This newsletter argues that Pakistan needs a complete overhaul of tobacco-control efforts. It says that higher taxes on tobacco can help discourage cigarette use, but presenting tax as the only solution is not enough. Smoking in Pakistan is a large and complex problem, so it requires many actions at the same time, including better enforcement, action against illegal cigarettes, affordable quitting support, and a stronger national policy.

The newsletter explains that if tobacco taxes are increased without dealing with illegal cigarette production, poorer smokers may shift to cheaper and more harmful illegal products. It also highlights that Pakistan has very limited smoking cessation facilities. With nearly 29 million smokers, less than 3% of adult smokers successfully quit in a year. This shows that smokers need practical help, not only higher prices.

The issue says Pakistan should learn from countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden, where less harmful alternatives are being used to reduce smoking. It explains that most harm from cigarettes comes from burning tobacco, which creates smoke, tar, and many harmful chemicals. Smoke-free alternatives may reduce harm for smokers who cannot or do not quit completely, but they should be reviewed and regulated carefully.

The newsletter also includes international updates. It discusses England’s drive to become smoke-free by 2030, growing support for tobacco harm reduction in Europe, Malaysia’s tobacco endgame plan for 2040, and the importance of accurate health information. The final article warns that wrong information about nicotine can be dangerous because it may stop smokers from moving away from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

• Pakistan needs to overhaul its tobacco-control efforts.
• Higher tobacco taxes can help reduce smoking, but they are not the only solution.
• Smoking in Pakistan is a complex problem and needs many actions at the same time.
• Illegal cigarette production should be addressed along with any tax increase.
• Pakistan has very limited smoking cessation facilities.
• Less than 3% of adult smokers successfully quit smoking in a year in Pakistan.
• Pakistan needs a national tobacco-control policy.
• Smokers’ views should be heard when policies are made.
• Less harmful alternatives should be reviewed and regulated sensibly.
• Most cigarette harm comes from burning tobacco and inhaling smoke, tar, and toxic gases.
• England is working toward a smoke-free goal by 2030.
• Global support for tobacco harm reduction is growing.
• Malaysia is planning a tobacco endgame strategy for 2040.
• Wrong information about nicotine can stop smokers from choosing less harmful options.
• Public and health professionals need accurate information about smoking and nicotine.