By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a stakeholder dialogue to address the growing threats posed by tobacco and emerging nicotine products to Pakistan’s youth.
Speakers highlighted a concerning rise in the availability, marketing, and use of new nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco devices, which are often promoted as “safer alternatives” and strategically targeted at young people.
Speaking at the event, Syed Shariq Jamal, a member of the Sindh Assembly, reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to protect children and young people from harmful and addictive substances. He described emerging nicotine products as “silent killers” being aggressively pushed into the market without oversight, stressing that legislation must evolve to counter industry tactics.
Jamshed Alam Memon, Special Secretary Health for the Sindh government, highlighted that tobacco use remained one of Pakistan’s most pressing public health challenges, claiming roughly 166,000 lives each year. He warned that youth were particularly vulnerable due to aggressive marketing and misconceptions surrounding vapes and nicotine pouches.
Prof. Dr Farah Iqbal, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at the University of Karachi, addressed the myth that tobacco can alleviate depression or other mental health issues. She emphasized that nicotine negatively affected mood, impaired brain function, and fostered strong psychological dependence.
Dr Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, highlighted the rapid growth of new tobacco and nicotine products in Pakistan, noting that the lack of regulations allowed the industry to introduce products without disclosure, compliance checks, or proper health warnings.
