Introduction
Vaping — the use of electronical nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e‑cigarettes and vape pods — has grown rapidly in Pakistan. While many users are adults (18+), the issue raises serious questions about regulation, health risks and youth access. This article examines the current rules, the real‑world situation and the risks associated, especially for adult users and beyond.
Rules & Legal Framework
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In the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a notification under Section 144 banned the sale, storage and use of e‑cigarettes and vapes to persons below the age of 21 years, and near educational institutions. Business Recorder+2Business Recorder+2
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In Punjab the government declared a province‑wide ban on the sale and purchase of vapes and e‑cigarettes in June 2025 citing health risks to youth. ProPakistani+1
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At the national level, a bill has been submitted to the senate proposing to ban the sale of e‑cigarettes and vaping devices to individuals under the age of 18 years, require child‑resistant packaging, and regulate imports/manufacture. ProPakistani+1
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Despite these measures, an online resource states that “as of 2025, Pakistan does not enforce strict age limits for purchasing vaping products,” though many retailers voluntarily follow an 18+ standard. vapestation.pk
The Reality on Ground
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A recent study found alarming rates of vaping among youth: in Pakistan, “nearly one in 10 teenagers aged 13–15 has used a tobacco or vaping product” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). thenews.com.pk
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Another report said that among college‑aged students (ages ~16‑19) in Pakistan, over 50 % had used vaping products, and 41.9 % used daily. thenews.com.pk
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On‑the‑ground anecdotal evidence indicates that under‑18s are still accessing vape devices:
“Today I … saw a kid 12‑13 year old buying a vape.” Reddit
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The marketplace is loosely regulated: many online shops and physical outlets operate, some claiming to enforce 18+ sales but lacking formal age‑verification requirements. vapestation.pk+1
Risks for 18 + Users (and beyond)
While much regulatory focus is on underage access, adults (18+) who vape are also exposed to significant health and social risks:
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Nicotine addiction: Vape devices often deliver high doses of nicotine, which can lead to dependence. The adolescent brain (and up to early adulthood) is particularly vulnerable. Business Recorder+1
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Health effects: Even though vaping is sometimes promoted as a “safer alternative” to cigarettes, it is not risk‑free. Health professionals in Pakistan warn of lung damage, cardiovascular effects and long‑term unknowns. Dawn+1
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Gateway to smoking: Studies globally suggest that vaping may increase the chance of transitioning to conventional smoking, especially if initiated at younger ages. Daily Pakistan English News+1
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Marketing & social normalisation: For adults, especially younger adults (18‑25), the vaping culture (flavours, social media influence, “cool” devices) can normalise nicotine use and hinder quit‑efforts for those who might otherwise not smoke. Business Recorder
Why Focus on 18+?
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Legal majority (18+) is the age at which individuals are considered adults in Pakistan for many rights and responsibilities.
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Even when age limits exist (like under 21 in KP), the broad adult population uses vapes, meaning regulation and risk communication must target 18+ users as well.
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Ensuring 18+ users are informed about risks, and enforcing age‑checks for under‑18s, forms a dual‑approach: protect minors and manage adult uptake responsibly.
What Needs to Be Done
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Clear national legislation: A uniform law governing sale, age restrictions (18+), packaging, flavours, advertising and age‑verification would fill current gaps.
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Adult‑focused public health campaigns: Information must reach 18+ users about risks, especially for young adults in their twenties.
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Enforcement of age checks: Retailers must verify age, not simply rely on voluntary compliance, and regulators should audit and penalise non‑compliance.
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Monitoring and research: More Pakistan‑specific data on health outcomes in adults who vape will help inform policy and regulation.
Conclusion
The vaping landscape in Pakistan is complex. While much attention rightly focuses on preventing under‑18 use, adult (18+) users are already in volume, and face real risks. The rules are fragmented across provinces, and enforcement is inconsistent. Without stronger regulation and robust age‑verification, the trend among 18+ users may widen, with long‑lasting implications for public health. It’s not simply a matter of banning or allowing — it’s about managing access, informing users and protecting future generations.
