Health Activists Demand Inquiry Over HTTPs Regularisation

APP

Islamabad: Health activists urged the Minister of Health to inquire about the serious matter of the regularisation of heated tobacco products (HTPs) which are now openly sold everywhere in Pakistan.

The decision to regularise heated tobacco products (HTPs) is a grave threat to our public health goals, particularly about our youth, said Tobacco-Free Kids Country Head of Campaign Malik Imran Ahmed.

They have expressed concern over the previous Cabinet decision to regularise HTPs through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO).

Malik Imran further said that these products have been legalised without conducting any cost-benefit or risk analysis survey to easily direct children and youth towards using them.

HTPs are not only highly addictive but also expose users, including our children, to a dangerous cocktail of harmful chemicals and carcinogens, Country Head added.

Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Cell Former Technical Head Dr Ziauddin Islam stressed that the evidence is clear and unequivocal: HTPs are not a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Their consumption leads to addiction and a wide array of serious health issues, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases, Islam further said.

As responsible stewards of public health, it is imperative that we act in the best interest of our population’s health, he added.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently cautioned against the consumption of HTPs, urging governments worldwide to implement stringent regulations to safeguard their citizens.

Pakistan should heed this call and prioritise the health and well-being of its people over any other considerations, experts further stated.

SPARC Programme Manager Khalil Ahmed Dogar urged the Health Minister to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with public health experts, civil society organisations and concerned citizens to ensure that any regulatory measures prioritise the health and well-being of the people of Pakistan.