Nicotine pouches raise concerns amid regulatory gaps
Illustration: AI-generated for Indus Vitals Experts flag addiction risks for young people, call for controls on sales and marketing By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Nicotine pouches are increasingly accessible in Pakistan, including to young people, amid concerns over their sale and marketing in a largely unregulated market and the risks of nicotine addiction, particularly among adolescents. The products, often flavoured and promoted as alternatives to conventional tobacco, have raised questions about their nicotine content, prolonged use and potential health effects. Public health observers say Pakistan needs to clarify the applicable regulatory framework, identify enforcement responsibilities and obtain reliable data on their use, particularly among young people. Although tobacco-control laws have traditiona...