Imagine being a long-time smoker, aware of the health risks but struggling to quit. You hear about nicotine pouches—an alternative that provides nicotine without the harmful effects of combustion.
In the U.S., the FDA has authorized the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches, recognizing them as a better alternative to traditional cigarettes. But in Pakistan, such options exist in an uncertain regulatory landscape, leaving smokers with limited choices.
Nicotine pouches work by offering a smoke-free way to consume nicotine, eliminating the harmful toxins found in cigarettes. Many European countries that have embraced harm reduction have seen smoking rates plummet to just 4.5%, proving that regulated alternatives can have a profound public health impact. Meanwhile, the U.S. has followed suit, with the FDA ensuring that products like Zyn meet rigorous safety standards.
Pakistan, however, remains behind in this conversation. With over 25 million tobacco users and an annual toll of 160,000 smoking-related deaths, the country faces a major public health crisis. Despite the availability of nicotine pouches like Zyn and Velo, their legal and regulatory status remains undefined. Without proper oversight, consumers are left without assurance of quality and safety, and the potential benefits of harm reduction go unrealized.
Rather than continuing down the same path, Pakistan has an opportunity to rethink its approach to tobacco control. Establishing clear regulations for nicotine pouches could provide smokers with a better alternative, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and align Pakistan with the global shift toward harm reduction. The question is: will policymakers take action, or will smokers continue to wait for change?
Which scientific study ? Who financed it ? Where was it performed ?
Who peer reviewed it ?
And FDA didn’t approve it. They just marketed it under a separate category. Nicotine consumption is still harmful.
Not only this article is misleading but intentionally is disinformation