August 2022 Newsletter

This newsletter begins with the story of Ahsan Mustafa, a 36-year-old smoker from Islamabad who started smoking in 2007 and used to smoke 15 cigarettes a day. He tried vaping in 2022 as a possible way to stop smoking. According to the newsletter, he said vaping helped him give up combustible cigarettes and he had not returned to smoking for five or six months.

The article explains that Pakistan has nearly 29 million smokers and faces a heavy health and economic burden because of smoking. It notes that vaping outlets exist in major cities, but e-cigarettes are being used in Pakistan without clear regulation. It also says many smokers learn about vaping from friends rather than doctors, showing the need for proper information and guidance.

The newsletter also discusses a proposal in the United States to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes. The idea is that if cigarettes contain much less nicotine, they may become less addictive and fewer people may start or continue smoking. The article also says that legal and regulated e-cigarettes may be important if such a nicotine-reduction policy is introduced.

The issue highlights concerns about tobacco taxation in Pakistan. One article says the government gave tax relief to cigarette smokers by changing the taxable price slabs, which may keep smoking affordable. Another article calls for research-based regulation of emerging tobacco products in Pakistan, with open discussion among policymakers, researchers, civil society, journalists, smokers, and other stakeholders. The final article points to the United Kingdom, where vaping has been linked with a fall in smoking and many ex-smokers use vaping to stay away from cigarettes.

• The newsletter shares the story of an adult smoker who switched from cigarettes to vaping.
• Ahsan Mustafa started smoking in 2007 and used to smoke 15 cigarettes a day.
• He said vaping helped him stop smoking combustible cigarettes.
• Pakistan has nearly 29 million smokers and a heavy disease burden from smoking.
• E-cigarettes are available in Pakistan, but they are being used without clear regulation.
• Many smokers learn about vaping from friends rather than doctors.
• The newsletter highlights the need for proper guidance and clear public information.
• The United States discussed reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes to make them less addictive.
• Very low nicotine cigarettes may help reduce smoking and prevent new addiction.
• Legal and regulated e-cigarettes may support smokers if nicotine levels in cigarettes are reduced.
• The newsletter criticises tax changes that may keep cigarettes affordable in Pakistan.
• Low tobacco taxes can increase smoking and health costs.
• ARI called for research-based regulation of emerging tobacco products.
• Stakeholders should be consulted before making new laws on less harmful alternatives.
• The UK experience shows vaping can help many smokers move away from cigarettes.