Health and policy experts have called for a stronger tobacco control strategy in Pakistan, including a regulated and evidence-based framework for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

The call comes as tobacco use continues to contribute significantly to premature deaths in the country.

Experts cited an estimated 164,000 tobacco-related deaths each year in Pakistan. They also noted that tobacco consumption declined by 15.7% between 2014 and 2024.

However, they said the pace of decline remains insufficient given the scale of tobacco-related mortality.

Experts stressed that prevention and smoking cessation should remain central to tobacco control efforts.

They also argued that adult smokers who cannot quit should have access to scientifically evaluated alternatives to combustible cigarettes.

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According to the experts, such products should operate under clear regulations and provide consumers with accurate information and appropriate guidance.

Experts Seek Clear Tobacco Harm Reduction Rules

Mirza M. Abeer, founder of the Association for Smoking Alternatives in Pakistan (ASAP), said the decline in tobacco consumption was encouraging but should not be the only measure of progress.

“A decline in tobacco consumption is encouraging, but when approximately 164,000 lives are still being lost every year, progress cannot be measured by prevalence alone,” Abeer said.

He called for a regulatory framework covering information, product standards, marketing and age restrictions.

Abeer said regulation would help ensure that any harm-reduction approach remained controlled and informed.

Prevention and Cessation Remain Important

Experts said Tobacco Harm Reduction should complement existing tobacco-control measures rather than replace prevention or cessation programmes.

They called for policies that encourage smokers to quit while establishing standards for alternatives intended for adults who continue to smoke.

The proposed framework would also need safeguards around product quality, marketing practices and access by minors.

Experts said accurate public information would be important to help adult consumers understand the differences between combustible tobacco and regulated alternatives.

The discussion highlights calls for Pakistan to strengthen its tobacco-control policies while considering regulatory approaches for adult smokers who have been unable to quit.