Survey Reveals Number of Pakistanis Using Vapes

A new nationwide survey by Gallup Pakistan has revealed important insights into the use of vaping and electronic cigarettes in Pakistan, highlighting low public awareness but growing concern over their impact—especially on young people. Despite limited awareness, the survey estimates that more than 1.2 million Pakistanis currently use vaping devices, raising serious questions about regulation, health risks, and youth protection.

The survey, conducted between September 12 and 23, 2025, and released on January 5, 2026, collected responses from 1,153 adults aged 18 and above across Pakistan. It explored awareness, usage patterns, and public perceptions of vaping, smoking, and chewing tobacco products.

This article explains how many Pakistanis use vapes, who is most affected, why youth are drawn to vaping, public health concerns, and what the findings mean for Pakistan’s future health policies.

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What Is Vaping and Why It Matters in Pakistan

Vaping involves the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or similar devices that heat liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to produce vapor.

Why Vaping Is a Growing Concern

• Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking
• Increasingly popular among youth
• Often flavored to appeal to young users
• Long-term health effects still unclear

Health experts warn that vaping can still lead to nicotine addiction and serious health risks.

Gallup Pakistan Survey: Key Details

The survey provides one of the most reliable national estimates of vaping awareness and usage in Pakistan.

Survey Overview

• Conducted by: Gallup Pakistan
• Survey period: September 12–23, 2025
• Sample size: 1,153 adults
• Age group: 18 years and above
• Nationwide coverage
• Released: January 5, 2026

The findings reflect public awareness, behavior, and attitudes toward vaping and other nicotine products.

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Awareness of Vaping in Pakistan Remains Low

One of the most striking findings is the low level of awareness.

Awareness Statistics

• Only 17% of respondents knew about vaping or e-cigarettes
• 20% were aware of chewing tobacco and similar nicotine products

This shows that the majority of Pakistanis are still unfamiliar with vaping devices.

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Urban and Wealthier Groups More Aware of Vaping

The survey found that awareness is not evenly distributed.

Who Knows More About Vaping?

• Urban residents
• Wealthier income groups
• Educated populations

Rural communities and lower-income groups showed significantly lower awareness, indicating information gaps.

Estimated Number of Vape Users in Pakistan

Despite limited awareness, Gallup estimates that over 1.2 million Pakistanis currently use vaping devices.

What This Means

• Vaping is already present at scale
• Usage exists beyond public knowledge
• Growth may accelerate without regulation

Experts say this figure is alarming given the lack of strong public health messaging.

Usage Patterns Among Those Aware of Vaping

Among respondents who were aware of vaping, actual usage was still limited but present.

Survey Findings on Usage

• 60% said neither they nor anyone they know uses vapes
• A small percentage reported personal use
• Some reported knowing someone who vapes

This suggests vaping is still emerging, not yet mainstream.

Public Perception: Is Vaping Harmful?

Public opinion strongly leans toward caution.

How Pakistanis View Vaping

• Most believe vaping is harmful
• Many say it is as harmful as cigarettes
• Strong concern over second-hand vapor

This indicates growing health awareness among those familiar with vaping.

Second-Hand Vapor Concerns

A majority of respondents aware of vaping believe that second-hand vapor can harm others.

Health Concerns Include

• Exposure to chemicals
• Risk to children and non-users
• Indoor air pollution

This mirrors global concerns raised by health organizations.

Youth Identified as the Most Affected Group

The survey overwhelmingly identified young people as the group most affected by:

• Smoking
• Vaping
• Chewing tobacco

Why Youth Are at Risk

• Curiosity and experimentation
• Peer pressure
• Fashion trends
• Easy access to flavored products

This finding has raised alarm among parents and policymakers.

Why Vaping Appeals to Young People

Respondents highlighted key reasons behind vaping’s appeal among youth.

Top Reasons Identified

• Fashion and trend culture
• Curiosity and experimentation
• Flavored vape liquids
• Perception of being “less harmful”

Marketing and social media exposure also play a major role.

Flavored Tobacco and Youth Attraction

The survey also highlighted concerns about flavored chewing tobacco products.

Why Flavors Are Problematic

• Attractive to young users
• Mask harsh nicotine taste
• Encourage early addiction

Many respondents believe flavors are intentionally designed to attract youth.

Comparison With Traditional Smoking in Pakistan

While cigarette smoking remains widespread, vaping is slowly emerging as an alternative.

Key Differences

• Smoking is well-known and regulated
• Vaping lacks clear regulation
• Health risks of vaping are less understood

Experts warn vaping should not replace smoking as a “safe” option.

Health Experts’ View on Vaping

Medical professionals caution that vaping is not risk-free.

Health Risks Linked to Vaping

• Nicotine addiction
• Lung irritation
• Heart and blood pressure issues
• Unknown long-term effects

Doctors stress that prevention is better than treatment.

Policy and Regulation Gaps in Pakistan

Pakistan currently lacks comprehensive national regulation for vaping.

Policy Challenges

• No clear age restrictions
• Limited taxation and control
• Weak enforcement
• Lack of public awareness campaigns

Experts say regulation is urgently needed.

Need for Public Awareness Campaigns

Low awareness highlights the need for education and awareness initiatives.

What Awareness Campaigns Should Cover

• Health risks of vaping
• Youth protection
• Difference between myths and facts
• Dangers of flavored nicotine products

Public education can help prevent future health crises.

Role of Schools and Parents

Schools and parents have a critical role in prevention.

Prevention Measures

• School-based awareness programs
• Parental guidance and monitoring
• Open discussion about risks
• Early intervention

Protecting youth requires community-wide effort.

Economic and Healthcare Impact

If vaping use grows unchecked, Pakistan may face:

Long-Term Impacts

• Increased healthcare costs
• Burden on public hospitals
• Addiction treatment needs
• Productivity losses

Early action can reduce future costs.

Global Trends and Pakistan’s Situation

Globally, many countries are:

• Banning flavored vapes
• Imposing age restrictions
• Increasing taxes
• Running anti-vaping campaigns

Pakistan may need to follow similar steps.

What the Survey Signals for the Future

The Gallup survey acts as a warning signal.

Key Takeaways

• Awareness is low
• Usage is growing
• Youth are most vulnerable
• Public concern already exists

Ignoring these signs could lead to widespread addiction.

Conclusion

The Gallup Pakistan survey reveals a concerning picture: while public awareness of vaping remains low, an estimated 1.2 million Pakistanis already use vaping devices, and youth are widely seen as the most affected group. Public perception strongly links vaping with health risks, including harm from second-hand vapor.

With flavored products, fashion trends, and experimentation driving youth interest, Pakistan faces a critical moment to introduce regulation, awareness, and preventive measures. Without timely action, vaping could become a major public health challenge similar to smoking.

FAQs – Vaping in Pakistan