January 2026 Newsletter

The January 2026 issue focuses on the lack of awareness about safer nicotine alternatives in Pakistan. The lead story discusses a Gallup Pakistan study which found that only 17 percent of Pakistanis are aware of vaping devices, while only 20 percent know about alternative nicotine products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and patches.

The newsletter says that despite this low awareness, around 1.2 million Pakistanis are already using e-cigarettes. It explains that Pakistan has more than 31 million smokers, including about 17 million cigarette users. Smoking causes around 160,000 deaths every year and creates an annual economic cost of Rs615 billion.

The main story explains that vaping does not burn tobacco and therefore exposes users to fewer toxic substances than combustible cigarettes. It cites international examples such as England, New Zealand, and Sweden, where tobacco harm reduction has become part of tobacco control strategies for adult smokers who struggle to quit.

The issue also includes personal stories of smokers. Irfan, a salesman, started smoking during emotional stress and quits every Ramadan but starts again after the month ends. Junaid, a security guard, reduced his smoking by 80 percent after illness and now wants to quit completely.

Another article, “Hope for a smoke-free generation,” explains that quitting is not only about willpower. It says some adults need traditional nicotine replacement therapies, medicines, counselling, or reduced-risk nicotine products to move away from combustible tobacco.

The newsletter also provides a practical guide for switching to reduced-risk products. It advises people to set a clear goal, define their reason for change, break the plan into small steps, prepare for obstacles, track progress, and celebrate success.

The issue also highlights the problem of underage smoking, after a report about children asking to buy cigarettes at a local shop. It stresses that parents, shopkeepers, and authorities must work together to stop children from early exposure to smoking.

The final page discusses Vietnam’s fines for users of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and New Zealand’s success in reducing youth vaping while continuing to reduce smoking. The New Zealand example is presented as evidence that responsible regulation can protect youth without blocking harm reduction for adult smokers.

The main story discusses a Gallup Pakistan study showing low public awareness about tobacco harm reduction products. Only 17 percent of Pakistanis know about vaping devices, while 20 percent know about products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and patches. The story argues that Pakistan needs a balanced, evidence-based policy that protects youth while giving adult smokers accurate information and safer alternatives.