The world is witnessing a transformation in tobacco control strategies, with harm reduction emerging as a key approach. The recent authorization of Zyn nicotine pouches by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reflects a growing recognition that offering better alternatives to smokers can significantly reduce the public health burden. However, Pakistan, a country grappling with one of the highest smoking rates in the world, has yet to adapt to this global shift.
With over 25 million tobacco users and more than 160,000 deaths annually linked to smoking-related diseases, Pakistan faces a severe health crisis. The financial impact is equally alarming. Despite these figures, harm reduction remains largely absent from Pakistan’s tobacco control policies, leaving smokers with few viable alternatives.
Nicotine pouches such as Zyn and Velo are already present in Pakistan, but their status remains ambiguous due to a lack of regulatory oversight. In contrast, the U.S. FDA ensures that authorized products meet stringent safety and quality standards, providing consumers with better alternatives. Without a regulatory framework, Pakistan risks exposing consumers to unregulated products while missing an opportunity to integrate harm reduction into its public health policies
Some European countries offer a successful model of harm reduction in action, by promoting better nicotine alternatives, reducing its smoking rates to just 4.5%. The FDA’s authorization of Zyn aligns with this global movement, reinforcing the importance of regulation in providing smokers with better options.
For Pakistan, the question is not whether harm reduction works, but whether it is willing to implement policies that support it. Introducing a regulatory framework for nicotine pouches could help millions of smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes, ultimately reducing the country’s health and economic burden.
As other nations move ahead with progressive tobacco control strategies, Pakistan’s hesitation keeps it lagging behind. The global shift towards harm reduction is evident—now, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will embrace this change or continue relying on outdated approaches.
