Pakistan is grappling with what health experts describe as a “double burden of disease,” where both infectious illnesses and chronic conditions are increasing at alarming rates. A growing contributor to this challenge is the rising use of nicotine pouches. These products, often promoted as a safer option compared to cigarettes, are quietly fueling long-term health problems and adding further strain to the country’s healthcare system.
Nicotine pouches are smokeless and easy to conceal, which makes them particularly appealing to younger populations. Their marketing often presents them as modern and less harmful, but medical specialists strongly disagree with this perception. “Nicotine is not harmless. It remains a highly addictive substance that poses significant risks to health,” experts caution. Prolonged nicotine use can trigger cardiovascular diseases, elevate blood pressure, and contribute to mental health difficulties. This makes the growing popularity of pouches a worrying development in a nation already battling multiple health crises.
The accessibility of these products compounds the problem. With their colorful packaging and wide variety of flavors, they are attracting adolescents and young adults who might otherwise avoid conventional tobacco. This rising trend is normalizing nicotine consumption among the youth and raising fears of addiction in a generation already vulnerable to lifestyle-related diseases. Pakistan continues to report high levels of diabetes, cancer, and heart conditions, and the addition of nicotine pouches is pushing the healthcare system closer to breaking point.
Public health experts are urging immediate interventions, including strict regulation, awareness drives, and preventive measures to counter this threat. Without action, Pakistan’s double burden of disease will intensify, leaving both economic and medical systems under greater stress. Tackling nicotine pouch use now may be critical in reducing future health costs and preventing widespread harm.
Nicotine Pouches Intensify Pakistan’s Growing Disease Burden
