February 2026 Newsletter

The February 2026 issue focuses on tobacco harm reduction as a practical path for smokers. The lead story discusses an ARI study conducted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi with 405 adult smokers. The study found that young smokers, especially those aged 18 to 35, and people with higher education are more likely to try tobacco harm reduction products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

The study shows that each additional year of age reduces the likelihood of using tobacco harm reduction products, while higher education increases the likelihood. Employment and higher daily cigarette consumption also make smokers more likely to try these alternatives. However, the newsletter explains that knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of these products remains limited.

The main story says many smokers do not understand the difference between the risks of combustible cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. It also highlights a serious knowledge gap among healthcare providers, noting that many doctors wrongly believe nicotine itself causes cancer. The article calls for professional education, public awareness, and accurate information for smokers.

The newsletter explains that Pakistan faces a major public-health challenge, with tobacco causing more than 160,000 deaths every year. It says traditional approaches such as awareness campaigns, taxes, and legal restrictions remain important, but have not fully reduced smoking. Harm reduction can complement these efforts by helping adult smokers who cannot quit immediately move away from combustible cigarettes.

The issue also includes personal stories. Shan Ali started tobacco use at the age of 13 and now smokes nearly 20 cigarettes a day, but has no plans to quit. Khan Akbar started smoking because of peer pressure and made two unsuccessful quit attempts, each lasting about six months, before returning to cigarettes because of cravings.

Another article says Ramadan can be a valuable opportunity for tobacco users to quit. It explains that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and can be managed with willpower, support, and certain medicines. The issue also includes a heart-health article which says quitting smoking quickly benefits the body, including heart rate, oxygen level, and heart attack risk.

The newsletter also discusses switching to reduced-risk products, advising smokers to set clear goals, understand their reason for change, take small steps, prepare for obstacles, track progress, and celebrate success. It also reports that the United Kingdom’s generational smoking ban has moved closer to reality, while nicotine pouches are being discussed internationally as a lower-risk option for smokers.

The final article reports that England’s “Swap to Stop” scheme led around 125,000 people to use vapes to try to quit smoking after the programme provided free vape starter kits along with behavioural support.

The main story discusses an ARI study of 405 adult smokers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The study found that younger and more educated smokers are more likely to try tobacco harm reduction products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. However, limited medical and scientific knowledge, misinformation, and lack of guidance often lead many smokers back to traditional cigarettes.