STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD: Concerns mount as health advocates raise red flags over the hasty approval of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) via a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) by the former Cabinet. The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has issued a statement urgently urging Pakistan’s Minister of Health to investigate the widespread availability of HTPs in the country.
Experts warn that legitimizing HTPs poses a grave threat to public health, especially among the youth. They assert that these products were sanctioned without a thorough risk assessment, making them highly addictive and exposing users, including children, to harmful chemicals and carcinogens. Advocates stress the need to prioritize the well-being of citizens over the interests of the tobacco industry.
Dr. Ziauddin Islam, Former Technical Head of the Tobacco Control Cell at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes the overwhelming evidence that HTPs are not a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. The World Health Organization (WHO) consistently advises against HTP use and calls on governments to implement stringent regulations for their citizens’ protection.
Khalil Ahmed Dogar, Program Manager, calls on the government to reconsider its decision, highlighting the potential severe consequences for youth. He urges inclusive discussions with public health experts, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to safeguard the health of Pakistan’s population.