Introduction
In Pakistan, vaping (using devices like e‑cigarettes, pods or disposable vapes) is increasingly becoming a visible trend among children and teens under the age of 18. For parents, this is a worrying shift: what used to be a concern for adult smokers now is moving into younger age brackets. Understanding the legal landscape, the reality of use among minors, the health and social risks, and what you as a parent can do is crucial.
Legal Framework: What the Law Says for Under 18s
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In the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a notification under Section 144 bans the storage, sale and use of e‑cigarettes and vapes for persons below 21 years and within certain distances of educational institutions. enews.hamariweb.com+2Business Recorder+2
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Nationally, there is no comprehensive federal law in Pakistan that uniformly restricts sale of vaping products to under‑18s with strict enforcement, or that sets a fixed age‑minimum across all provinces. The News International+1
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Many shops or vendors claim to implement age verification or state “no sale under 18/21”, but these are often voluntary and not consistently enforced. For example, a vendor admitted:
“Under‑18 HRP (harm reduction product) use is a concern… we refuse but there is no regulation for applying such checks.” panthr.org
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So while some regulation exists in places, for parents the message is: the law is patchy, enforcement is weak, and kids under 18 can access vape products in many settings.
How Big is the Problem Among Under‑18s?
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Studies show very high rates of vaping among youth and young adults in Pakistan. A cross‑sectional survey found 68.4 % prevalence of vaping among university students (ages ~18 to 35) in an urban Pakistan setting. IJCMPH
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm: “nearly one in 10 Pakistani teenagers aged 13‑15 has used a tobacco or vaping product”. The News International+1
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At secondary schools, the use of vapes is being reported as a “very big issue nationwide”. The Express Tribune
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Anecdotal evidence from online forums supports this:
“Today I … saw a kid 12‑13 year old buying a vape.” Reddit
So, for parents: the data shows that children and teens under 18 are using vape products — not just very occasionally, but with increasing frequency and availability.
What Makes Under‑18s Vulnerable?
Several factors make children and teens particularly at risk:
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Flavour & design appeal: Many vape liquids are offered in sweet or fruity flavours — mango, berry, bubble‑gum — which mask the harshness of nicotine and appeal to younger users. Business Recorder+1
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Social media and peer influence: Vaping is normalised across peer groups and social media platforms, making it seem “cool” or “modern”. Business Recorder+1
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Easy access: Shops and online sellers in Pakistan often sell vaping devices with minimal age‑verification, making access for under‑18s relatively uncomplicated. Vapes Direct Pk+1
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Lack of full regulation: The legal gaps and weak enforcement mean that under‑18 users bypass controls more easily.
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Adolescent brain vulnerability: Scientific evidence indicates that young brains are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction, and early exposure may impair attention, impulse control and learning. Business Recorder+1
Health & Social Risks for Under 18s
For children and teens under 18, vaping opens up several risks:
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Nicotine dependence: The earlier nicotine exposure happens, the higher the risk of developing a long‑term addictive pattern.
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Respiratory and cardiovascular effects: Vaping has been associated with lung irritation, disrupted breathing and potential cardiovascular harm — the full long‑term effects are still unknown. Dawn+1
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Cognitive and behavioural impacts: Early nicotine exposure may affect brain development, attention span, behavior, academic performance.
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Gateway to smoking or dual use: Some youth may transition from vaping to conventional smoking, or they may engage in both, compounding harm.
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Social implications: Under‑18 users may hide their usage, risk disciplinary action at school, encounter peer pressure, or normalise harmful habits.
What Parents Must Know & Do
If you are a parent of a child under 18, here’s what you should keep in mind:
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Talk openly: Conversations about vaping should be non‑judgmental. Ask about their friends’ habits, whether they’ve seen devices at school, what they think about vaping.
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Know the signs: Vape devices can be small, hidden; watch for fruity smells, new accessories, spending on pods, changes in mood or concentration.
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Set clear rules: Let your child know your position on vaping — you’re not only worried about “doing what we say” but about health, addiction and informed decision‑making.
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Educate together: Show them evidence about risks; explore how marketing or peer pressure may shape perceptions of safety.
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Collaborate with school: Find out what your child’s school policies are on vaping, whether there are awareness sessions or counselling.
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Model behaviour: If you use nicotine products yourself, consider how your habits may influence your child’s view of vaping or smoking.
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Seek help or guidance: If you suspect your child is using vapes, speak to a school counsellor, healthcare provider or local youth health service. Early discussion is better than waiting for a problem to escalate.
Policy & Larger Context
For parents to feel secure, Pakistan needs stronger regulatory action:
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Ban or restrict flavoured vaping products that appeal to minors. Business Recorder+1
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Enforce age verification for all sales of vaping devices and liquids.
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Strengthen online sale regulation and curb illegal imports of youth‑targeted vape products.
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Implement public awareness campaigns targeted at youth and parents, not just adult smokers.
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Monitor and collect data in Pakistan for under‑18 vaping prevalence and health outcomes to inform effective policy.
Conclusion
Vaping among under‑18s in Pakistan is no longer a marginal concern — it is a rapidly growing public‑health issue. For parents, staying informed, staying engaged, and taking proactive steps can make a difference. The regulation may lag, but the responsibility to safeguard children’s health begins at home. By understanding what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how your child might be exposed, you can act early and help them navigate peer pressure, marketing influences and health risks with better awareness.
