Experts say over 1,200 ‘children’ start smoking daily in Pakistan

WEB DESK: Anti-tobacco experts have raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in tobacco use among Pakistani youth, with over 1,200 children reportedly starting to smoke every day.

This pressing issue was highlighted during a discussion organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on World No Tobacco Day, observed under the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

According to Business Recorder, Syed Ali Wasif Naqvi, Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Outreach at SDPI, presented troubling statistics during the event.

According to 2022 data, more than 37 million adolescents aged 13-15 globally use tobacco. In the WHO European Region, 11.5 per cent of boys and 10.1 per cent of girls in this age group are tobacco users.

Additionally, electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among youth, with 12.5 per cent of adolescents in the European Region using e-cigarettes in 2022, compared to just 2 per cent of adults.

Naqvi emphasised that the situation in Pakistan is particularly dire. “Over 1,200 children start using tobacco every day in Pakistan, and the infiltration of electronic tobacco and nicotine products into schools, colleges, and universities is alarming,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the tobacco industry strategically targets young people to replace the millions of customers lost annually to death or cessation.

The industry employs attractive products and advertising tactics aimed at children and adolescents, often using social media and streaming platforms to reach them.

The discussion revealed that one in three individuals who do not quit tobacco use or smoking will die from tobacco-related causes.

Moreover, two out of five adult smokers in Pakistan begin smoking by the age of 10, highlighting the urgent need for focused interventions targeting young children.

While Pakistan’s tobacco control policies are commendably ranked globally, experts stressed the necessity of updating regulations to keep pace with emerging trends in the tobacco industry. Modern products such as vapes, VELO, and smokeless tobacco products often fall outside existing legislation, posing new challenges for regulators.

In conclusion, the experts called for immediate action from all stakeholders to address the growing epidemic of youth tobacco use in Pakistan.

Comprehensive strategies, including stricter regulations, enhanced awareness campaigns, and robust enforcement, are essential to protect the health and future of the nation’s children.

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