August 2026 Newsletter

The August 2026 issue begins with an examination of GATS 2024. The survey reports lower tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure than in 2014, but millions of Pakistanis continue to use tobacco. The newsletter argues that more detailed data is needed to understand smoking patterns, successful quitting and tobacco use among young people.

A personal story in Smokers’ Corner shows how a heart attack led a long-term smoker to quit after about 35 years. The experience highlights how health problems can become a turning point, while also showing the value of quitting before serious illness occurs.

The issue also covers the Senate health committee’s approval of the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025. The newsletter discusses the need for risk-appropriate regulation of vaping devices, nicotine pouches and other alternative products, along with clear restrictions on who can use them.

Two international articles examine the continuing health burden of smoking and evidence on nicotine vaping for smoking cessation. The newsletter distinguishes the risks of combustible tobacco from lower-risk non-combustible products while stressing that reduced risk does not mean risk-free and that young people should be protected from nicotine use.

The final article provides practical advice for smokers preparing to quit. It recommends understanding personal triggers, making a quit plan, changing routines, creating a smoke-free home and using simple strategies to manage cravings and withdrawal.

• GATS 2024 reports a 15.7% decline in tobacco consumption in Pakistan between 2014 and 2024.
• About 22.7 million people aged 15 and above still use tobacco, including around 14 million smokers.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke declined across homes, workplaces, restaurants, public transport, schools and other settings.
• Quit attempts among adult smokers did not improve, moving from 24.7% to 24.1%.
• The newsletter calls for more detailed GATS 2024 data on successful quitting, smoking initiation, young people and demographic groups.
• The Senate health committee approved the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025.
• The issue highlights the need for risk-appropriate regulation of vaping devices and nicotine pouches while protecting young people.
• A Cochrane review covered 80 trials involving nearly 30,000 people and found nicotine e-cigarettes more effective for quitting than several traditional approaches.
• The newsletter stresses that regulated vaping products are not risk-free and should not be used by children or non-smokers.
• Successful quitting can be supported by identifying triggers, making a plan, changing routines and preparing for cravings.

Pakistan’s Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2024 reports a 15.7% decline in tobacco consumption between 2014 and 2024 and a reduction in secondhand smoke exposure across several settings. However, 16.1% of people aged 15 and above still use tobacco, representing about 22.7 million people, including 14 million smokers.

The article argues that the released findings do not provide enough detail about smoking initiation, successful quitting, daily cigarette consumption, young tobacco users, and demographic differences. It calls for a comprehensive GATS 2024 report and public access to the survey data.