Introduction
Vaping — the use of devices like e‑cigarettes, pods or mods — has increasingly become part of adult life in Pakistan. While often marketed as safer alternatives to smoking, these devices come with their own regulatory complexities, health risks and social dimensions. This article examines what the rules are for adult users, the on‑ground reality, and the key risks to be aware of.
Rules & Legal Framework for Adults
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According to the report by Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), vaping is legally permitted in Pakistan for adults; individuals over 18 can purchase vape devices. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction+2vapestation.pk+2
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There is – however – no uniformly enforced national legislation that sets clear age limits, controls import or defines packaging/labelling standards for vapes. panthr.org+1
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Some provinces have introduced specific restrictions: for example, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued a notification under Section 144 banning sale/use of vapes to minors and within certain proximities to schools. Business Recorder
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In Punjab, the provincial government announced a ban on sale/use of e‑cigarettes and vapes in June 2025. SAMAA TV+1
Reality for Adult Users
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Adult users (18+) can access vaping devices quite freely in many parts of Pakistan. Retailers and online stores openly sell such devices, often stating an 18+ policy though it may not be legally enforced. vapestation.pk
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A recent survey found that among young adults (18‑30) in major cities, many believe vaping “makes young people socially acceptable” or “cool”. panthr.org+1
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The regulatory vacuum means that adult users may frequently purchase from outlets without strict age verification, and may use devices/liquids whose safety or composition is not fully regulated. PNR Journal+1
Risks for Adult Vapers
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Nicotine dependence: Many vape liquids contain high nicotine levels, which can lead to strong dependence even for adults who start vaping.
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Health concerns: Although vaping is sometimes framed as “less harmful than smoking”, it is not risk‑free. Studies point to lung irritation, cardiovascular effects and unknown long‑term consequences. Dawn+1
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Regulatory blindspots: Because devices/liquids are not consistently regulated, adult users may encounter poor‑quality or unverified products, making risk higher. panthr.org
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Social normalisation and transition risk: For some adults, vaping may act as a gateway to more regular nicotine use or dual usage with cigarettes. The “coolness” factor can push use beyond experimentation. panthr.org+1
Why Focusing on Adults (18+) Matters
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The bulk of legal users are adults; ensuring safe access and informed use for them is critical.
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Much of the policy focus is on preventing minors from using vapes, but adult users also need protection via regulation, education and safe‑product standards.
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Proper regulation for adults helps prevent downstream risks — both health‑wise and socially — and builds a framework that can also protect younger users.
What Needs to Be Done
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Develop clear national law: A federal rule for vaping that covers minimum age (18+ or defined), licence for sales/import, product standards, packaging/labelling, and advertising controls.
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Enforce age verification and retailer accountability: Addresses inconsistent age checks and access.
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Ensure product safety and quality: Set standards for devices, battery safety, chemical composition of liquids; apply taxes or import controls to manage the market.
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Public education aimed at adults: Inform adult users about risks, how vaping differs from smoking, and guide those considering switch or quitting.
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Research & monitoring: Collect Pakistan‑specific data on adult vaping behaviour, health outcomes, device market trends, enforcement challenges — to inform policy.
Conclusion
For adult users (18+) in Pakistan, vaping sits at a crossroads: widely accessible and growing in popularity, yet operating under weak regulatory oversight and with non‑trivial health and social risks. The reality is that while many adults treat vaping as a modern alternative to smoking, the rule book is still being written and enforcement is patchy. Ensuring a safer path forward means regulating the market, educating users and protecting both adult and younger populations from unintended harm.
