July 2022 Newsletter

This newsletter reports on a consultation with journalists from Rawalpindi and Islamabad about tobacco use in Pakistan and how to end combustible smoking in a generation. Speakers said Pakistan faces a heavy disease burden because of smoking, with more than 25 million tobacco users, and some estimates placing the number at 29 million.

The newsletter explains that many smokers do not know where to get help when they want to quit. This is one reason why less than 3% of smokers successfully quit in a year in Pakistan. The total cost of smoking-related diseases and deaths in Pakistan was reported at 3.85 billion dollars in 2019.

The consultation also explained that most of the disease risk from smoking comes from smoke, tar, and toxic gases created when tobacco burns. Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals. Nicotine is addictive, but it is not the main cause of smoking-related disease. Speakers said smokers should be included in tobacco-control policy because their views can help identify what support they need to quit or switch.

The newsletter highlights the important role of media and journalists. It says print, electronic, and social media can help share evidence-based information, reduce smoking, and introduce practical solutions. The issue also includes international and public-health updates: a Malaysian doctors’ group criticised a proposed ban on promoting tobacco harm reduction, New Zealand moved ahead with laws to create a smoke-free generation, and a detailed article discussed the health risks and addiction linked with chewable tobacco in Pakistan.

• Pakistan faces a heavy disease burden because of combustible smoking.
• The country has more than 25 million tobacco users, with some estimates reaching 29 million.
• A consultation was held with journalists from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
• Many smokers do not know where to seek help when they want to quit.
• Less than 3% of smokers successfully quit smoking in a year in Pakistan.
• Smoking-related diseases and deaths cost Pakistan 3.85 billion dollars in 2019.
• Most smoking-related disease risk comes from smoke, tar, and toxic gases produced by burning tobacco.
• Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals.
• Nicotine is addictive, but it is not the main cause of smoking-related disease.
• Smokers’ views should be included in tobacco-control policy.
• Pakistan needs affordable and effective smoking cessation services.
• Media and journalists can help spread evidence-based information about smoking and harm reduction.
• A Malaysian doctors’ group opposed banning promotion of tobacco harm reduction.
• New Zealand moved ahead with world-first tobacco laws to create a smoke-free generation.
• Chewable tobacco such as gutka, mawa, mainpuri, and chhalia is linked with serious oral health risks.