ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Health activists have urged the government to enforce a ban on contemporary tobacco items like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products to save the young generation of Pakistan. This demand was made during the Chromatic's Digital Media Influencers Conference held at Murree.

The conference convened renowned digital media journalists and influencers, committed activists, and esteemed health professionals, uniting efforts to highlight the alarming hazards associated with modern tobacco products.

CEO Chromatic, Shariq Khan, stated during the conference, "The dire consequences of modern tobacco products on public health cannot be overstated.

Manufacturers strategically exploit social media platforms, setting up shop near schools and universities, making it easy for impressionable students to fall prey to addiction.

Shariq Khan emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for comprehensive action to counteract the pervasive influence of modern tobacco products.

Malik Imran, Country Head of CTFK, presented alarming statistics, revealing that over 1200 children in Pakistan take their first steps into smoking daily. Malik Imran debunked the myth that modern tobacco products are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, emphasizing the detrimental health effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

Expressing satisfaction with the government's decision to double the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, Malik Imran urged the government to consider further tax increases on cigarettes. He stated, "The revenue generated from the tobacco industry is much lesser than the annual economic burden caused by tobacco-induced diseases.

Dr. Ziauddin Islam, the former technical head of the Tobacco Control Cell, added his expertise to the conference by dismantling the myth that modern tobacco products are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.

He highlighted the detrimental health effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, highlighting their potential harm to users.Participating in the event, the Director of South Asia for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) contributed invaluable knowledge and experience to the diverse group of attendees.

The conference served as a platform for digital media influencers, who pledged to leverage their reach to raise awareness about the menace of tobacco and the specific dangers posed by modern tobacco products.