February 2023 Newsletter

This newsletter begins with a lecture by Dr. Ehsan Latif on why Pakistan should embrace tobacco harm reduction to end combustible smoking. He said Pakistan has made progress in tobacco control over the last two decades, but combustible smoking remains a major health problem. According to the newsletter, the number of tobacco users in Pakistan has reached around 29 million, compared with 23.9 million in 2014.

Dr. Latif argued that tobacco harm reduction gives adult smokers a choice: either quit completely or move to safer alternatives if they cannot quit. He warned that banning such products may do more harm than good because bans can push products into illegal markets. He said Pakistan should review these products through science, regulate them sensibly, and make sure young people are protected from all tobacco-related products.

The issue also discusses research on e-cigarettes as smoking cessation tools. A University of Michigan study said e-cigarettes should be considered more seriously for helping some adults quit smoking. Another article says evidence is growing that vapes can help smokers quit, especially in countries such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand, where health systems are more open to their use for quitting support.

The newsletter also includes policy and public-health updates. One article says there is still room to increase tobacco taxes in Pakistan, while also improving quitting support. Another article discusses Japan’s experience, where cigarette sales dropped quickly after less harmful alternatives became available. The issue also explains the tobacco harm reduction approach and reports that no-smoking boards were installed at bus and van stands in Islamabad as part of smoke-free city efforts.

• The newsletter focuses on tobacco harm reduction as a pathway to reduce combustible smoking in Pakistan.
• Dr. Ehsan Latif said Pakistan should embrace tobacco harm reduction for a smoke-free future.
• Pakistan has made progress in tobacco control since ratifying the FCTC.
• Combustible smoking remains a major health issue in Pakistan.
• The number of tobacco users in Pakistan has reached around 29 million, according to some estimates.
• Adult smokers who cannot quit should have access to safer alternatives.
• Dr. Latif warned that banning harm reduction products can push them into illegal markets.
• Regulation of less harmful alternatives should be sensible and risk-appropriate.
• Young people should be protected from all tobacco-related products.
• A University of Michigan study said e-cigarettes should be considered more for smoking cessation.
• The newsletter says evidence is growing on vapes as a smoking cessation tool.
• Health activists said there is still room to increase taxes on tobacco products in Pakistan.
• ARI welcomed higher cigarette taxes but also called for better smoking cessation services.
• Japan’s experience shows cigarette sales can fall quickly when less harmful alternatives are available.
• No-smoking boards were installed at bus and van stands in Islamabad as part of smoke-free city efforts.