Rights activists for regulating nicotine pouches sale

ISLAMABAD: Expressing serious concern over the aggressive promotion and marketing of both local and international brands of nicotine pouches by the tobacco industry in Pakistan, rights activists have urged the government to check the unhindered sale of these addictive products.

Addressing the issue, the Waseela Foundation urged the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination to promptly address and regulate the sale of nicotine pouches.

Dr. Ziauddin Islam, Former Technical and Focal Person of the Government of Pakistan to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and Technical Advisor at Waseela Foundation, emphasized the need for immediate control over the sale of nicotine.

Dr Islam suggested that, if nicotine pouches are to be made available, they should only be sold under the prescription of a registered medical doctor to ensure that consumers are made aware of the inherent dangers associated with the use of nicotine, promoting responsible usage.

He said the unregulated and continuous promotion, marketing, and sale of highly addictive nicotine pouches by the tobacco industry in Pakistan is highly hazardous.

These pouches, containing the extremely addictive drug nicotine, are known to pose severe health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases, among others, he added.

Despite these risks, nicotine pouches are being marketed and sold without restrictions, raising concerns about potential addiction and widespread health issues. The foundation stresses the need for intervention to safeguard public health.