May 2026 Newsletter

This issue focuses on the need for balanced and evidence-based tobacco control. It supports strong measures to protect children and young people from nicotine and tobacco products, while also arguing that adult smokers should have access to regulated, lower-risk alternatives and effective cessation services.

The newsletter presents Pakistan’s tobacco control journey as a mixed result. It notes that Pakistan has laws and policy commitments, but weak enforcement, incomplete data, lack of provincial action, and limited cessation support continue to slow progress.

Through smoker stories, the issue also shows that many smokers lack proper information, support, and access to quitting services. It calls for practical help at the district and community levels.

The issue ends with ARI’s call for a clear national timeline to end combustible smoking in Pakistan and a global message that tobacco use has declined, but much more work is needed to end smoking.

The main story of the May 2026 newsletter discusses World No Tobacco Day 2026 and asks whether the global tobacco control debate is showing the full picture. It supports strong protection for children and young people from all nicotine and tobacco products, but also argues that adult smokers should not be denied access to regulated, lower-risk alternatives that may help them move away from combustible smoking.

The article explains that the main harm from smoking comes from burning tobacco, not nicotine alone. It calls for risk-proportionate regulation, strict age checks, strong marketing controls, better cessation support, and policies that protect youth while giving adult smokers practical ways to reduce harm.