ISLAMABAD: New tobacco products are getting more and more popular among Pakistani youth thanks to the tobacco industry’s massive social media marketing and advertising initiatives. If the government doesn’t outright outlaw these allegedly “less” hazardous products, Pakistan’s healthcare system will sustain devastation that has never before been seen. These opinions were expressed by health professionals in a joint press release issued by SPARC and the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) to draw attention from the federal cabinets to the alarming rise in the use of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and other novel or alternative products.
Govt must ban novel products to save Pakistani Youth from tobacco hazards
Malik Imran Ahmed, the country director for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, noted that the tobacco industry has been free to advertise and sell substitute goods since, regrettably, tobacco legislation in Pakistan doesn’t extend beyond cigarettes and gutka. Alternative products have been available in the Pakistani market for a while, but there hasn’t been any regulation or a policy to regulate and keep an eye on their advertising, promotion, or sales.
Imran emphasised the need for a ban and said that the idea that tobacco usage is “less hazardous” is a massive deception because every year in Pakistan, almost 170,000 valuable lives are lost as a result of tobacco-related illnesses like cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular disease. So even if we believe the lie that alternative products are “less” harmful, the damage done will still be significant.
Imran also said that it is fallacious to believe that tobacco companies which are directly responsible for loss of millions of lives around the world will simultaneously sell products which will reduce tobacco addiction. Khalil Ahmed Dogar, Program Manager, SPARC, highlighted that tobacco industry is searching for a new generation of buyers to keep their business and profits running. The fallacious campaigns are targeted at children and youth through social media platforms and sales near educational institutions.
Khalil continued by stating that if the tobacco industry’s efforts to increase sales are not checked by appropriate measures, they will become more powerful and continue to be the nation’s leading source of sickness and death. He also asked the cabinet to investigate social media advertisements, since many of them are leading members of our society astray. According to Shariq Ahmed, CEO of Chromatic Trust, tobacco firms are spending a lot of money on social media advertising online.
Even well-known celebrities have joined the adverts because they are created in such a misleading way. Shariq emphasised the necessity for a state-level effort to increase public understanding of the dangers of nicotine, passive smoking, and the damaging effects of tobacco products on the environment and public health. He stated that the media is the most effective weapon for bringing about social change and that the government should fund such campaigns in addition to regulating the marketing, promotion, and advertising of substitute products to protect priceless lives.
