1.2 million Pakistanis vape despite low awareness: Gallup survey
A Gallup Pakistan survey reveals that 1.2 million Pakistanis vape despite low public awareness of vaping products.Summary
A recent nationwide survey by Gallup Pakistan estimates that over 1.2 million Pakistanis currently use vaping devices, despite relatively low public awareness of electronic cigarettes and new nicotine products. The survey, conducted in September 2025 with a sample of 1,153 adults, found that only 17% of respondents had heard of electronic cigarettes, while awareness of chewing tobacco was slightly higher at 20%. Despite limited awareness, the user base is growing, with 9% of aware respondents knowing a user and 3% reporting personal use. A majority of those aware of vaping (71%) believe secondhand vaping is harmful, similar to cigarette smoke. Respondents identified youth as the most affected group, citing fashion trends, experimentation, and peer pressure as reasons for vaping's appeal among young people. Gallup Pakistan’s Executive Director, Bilal Gilani, emphasized the need for policymakers to address this emerging public health challenge and prevent a reversal of Pakistan’s progress in reducing traditional tobacco use.
(Source：Business Recorder)
