By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Significant global research and innovation efforts have led to the development of smoke-free alternatives, products that aim to reduce harm by offering a less harmful option for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. These alternatives are increasingly being recognized as a complement to traditional tobacco control efforts and could support cigarette reduction in countries like Pakistan.
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A growing range of smoke-free options such as heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches offer alternative ways to consume nicotine without the need for combustion or smoke. Now commercially available in many countries, these innovations vary in form and mechanism, but each avoids the burning of tobacco, which is known to produce the majority of harmful toxicants associated with smoking.
While not risk-free, emerging studies suggest that switching entirely to these smoke-free products may carry substantially fewer health risks than continued cigarette use. As a result, many countries are integrating harm reduction into their tobacco control strategies, with early evidence indicating that it may accelerate declines in smoking rates.
In Pakistan, these alternatives are beginning to gain traction. With collective support from policymakers, public health advocates, civil society, and adult smokers, smoke-free innovations could play a meaningful role in reducing the health burden of smoking.
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