By Asma Kundi
ISLAMABAD: The health activists have raised concerns about the federal cabinet’s decision to approve a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to regularize heated tobacco products in the country as it would put Pakistani children’s health at stake.
According to tobacco control activists and health experts, this decision will put Pakistani children in grave danger. The concern came during a dialogue arranged by the Society for the Protection of Rights of the Child (SPARC).
Malik Imran Ahmed, Country Head of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, stated that this decision would be a gateway to legalizing other tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. This decision will also encourage more females and children between the ages of 13-15 to initiate tobacco use because of easy availability, which will cause more diseases and deaths. About 170,000 people die annually because of tobacco-induced diseases in Pakistan. Tobacco use has become a pandemic in Pakistan, with over 31 million people consuming tobacco in some form. More Pakistani children will be exposed to tobacco and hooked on it if no steps are taken against this industry that is trying to destroy our children’s future.
Dr. Zia Uddin Islam, country lead of Vital Strategies, expressed that modern nicotine-based tobacco-based products launched by the tobacco industry are addictive and can cause long-term health hazards to young users. These products attract children’s attention because of their vast online presence and promotion. He mentioned that the health burden has increased because of tobacco-induced non-communicable diseases and allowing modern products will only jack up national healthcare costs, devastating for the economy.
“Children’s health should be government’s top priority”
Khalil Ahmed Dogar, Program Manager (SPARC), said that securing Pakistani children’s health and future should be the government’s top priority at times like these when our economy and health system are struggling. Pakistan can learn from New Zealand, which has become the first country to implement an annually rising legal age of smoking. This long-term planning is required to ensure that future generations remain protected from tobacco-related harm.
