Pakistan’s tobacco industry is a lifeline for millions, supporting farmers, workers, and their families. From cultivation to production, this sector plays a critical role in the livelihoods of many. However, recent policies imposing high taxes on tobacco products have created significant challenges for those who depend on this crop for survival.

While these measures aim to reduce smoking prevalence in the country, they should not come at the cost of undermining the livelihoods tied to tobacco farming. Anti-Tobacco Organizations (ATOs) also continue to advocate for stringent regulations on tobacco products, overlooking the broader socio-economic consequences of these actions.

The narrative driven by ATOs, such as the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) and Blue Veins, predominantly focuses on banning or heavily taxing tobacco products. However, they fail to provide practical alternatives for smokers or a sustainable plan for the communities whose livelihoods depend on the tobacco industry. This gap highlights the need for strategies addressing health concerns and economic realities.

One such strategy is Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), which offers a middle ground. By introducing alternatives like oral nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, and vapes, individuals can transition to significantly less harmful options without undermining the economic backbone of those reliant on tobacco farming. These scientifically backed alternatives challenge the misinformation perpetuated by ATOs, which label all tobacco-related products as equally harmful.

Muhammad Amin, Chairman of Fair Trade in Tobacco, criticized the ATOs’ stance. “Tens of thousands of farmers and their families depend on this crop for survival. The government must not cave into the fallacious propaganda of certain anti-tobacco organizations operating without proper authorization. Rationalizing excise taxes supports proper tax collection and protects farmers’ livelihoods,” he asserted.

Hence, integrating tobacco harm reduction into national policy offers a win-win solution. By embracing THR products, the government can reduce smoking-related harm while ensuring that farmers reliant on tobacco cultivation are not left behind. (By Ali Saad).