Policy Vacuum: NGPs and the Policy Dilemma in Pakistan

Abstract

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), through Bloomberg Tobacco Control Initiative and in collaboration with The Union is conducting tobacco control project in Pakistan. The project objectivises to assist the Ministry of National Health in developing Pakistan’s strategic policy direction and guideline on GHW/PHW, Smokeless Tobacco Control (SLTC), and Next Generation Products (NGPs) including E-cigarettes, ENDS, ENNDS, ANDS and HnBs. The project also looks forward to collating the evidence on gaps in existing TC framework in line with MPWER commitments by Pakistan. Finally, the project will also facilitate the national and provincial governments in sustainable TC initiatives through system strengthening and capacity building of the stakeholders, in post-COVID-19 environment. This policy brief develops an understanding of the rapidly expanding NGPs market, and foresees it mushrooming out of control before a realization at the national policy level takes the charge. Foregoing in view, this policy brief aspires to highlight the significance of the policy development on the tobacco products and makes policy recommendations for banning the NGPs in Pakistan. In is also an effort to strengthening the need for a multi-sectoral and comprehensive tobacco control regime and policies in Pakistan, the recommendations will be shared with the policy makers and legislative framework.