THIS refers to the letter ‘Tobacco control’ (June 5) which has aptly discussed how tobacco smoking in Japan has declined over the years. One would tend to agree with the assertion that Pakistan needs to cautiously look at less harmful alternatives to smoking.

A number of countries are now introducing alternative tobacco products that are less harmful. It is to be kept in mind that the use of these products is strictly regulated, based on comprehensive legislation, and is allowed after scientific evidence that they help smokers quit or switch to less harmful products.

In a recently released report, the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom estimated that if the harm-reduction policies they advocated for in 1962 had been adopted, smoking would have ended in the country by now. The report calls for doctors to play a more active role, and asks the government to invest in media campaigns and urge the smokers to switch from tobacco to e-cigarettes.

In Pakistan, the first and most important thing is the formulation of a comprehensive national tobacco control policy, with harm-reduction as a critical factor, and then its strict implementation.

Pakistan urgently needs to address the growing problem of smoking. All available options should be critically analysed and scientifically reviewed for the wellbeing of the smokers.

Hamza Azhar
New Multan

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2021