Introduction
Vaping—using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e‑cigarettes, vape pods and disposable devices—is rapidly becoming a serious issue among teenagers in Pakistan. What began as a trend among young adults is now increasingly common among under 18s, raising concerns about health risks, addiction, and regulatory gaps. This article explores how widespread teen vaping is in Pakistan, why it’s growing, what risks it poses, and what can be done.
How Big is the Problem?
Although precise data for every age bracket is still emerging, multiple recent reports point to a rising uptake of vaping among teenagers in Pakistan:
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A recent article for Pakistani youth reports that “nearly one in 10 Pakistani teenagers aged 13–15 has used a tobacco or vaping product.” The News International+2The News International+2
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A large survey among university and young adult populations in urban Pakistan found that 68.4 % of the study’s participants (mean age ~22) reported using vaping products. IJCMPH+1
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For younger students, the problem is noted by authorities: secondary schools across the country are reporting significant vaping usage among “under‑18” age groups. The Express Tribune+1
These findings indicate that vaping is not isolated to occasional experimentation: it is increasingly normalised among teenagers and shows potential for frequent or regular use.
Why Teenagers Under 18 Are Vaping More
Several factors are driving this trend among under‑18s in Pakistan:
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Flavours and marketing appeal
Vaping devices and e‑liquids come in appealing flavours—mango, berry, bubble gum—and visually attractive packages, which are particularly alluring to younger demographics. Business Recorder+1 -
Social media influence & peer dynamics
Teenage users are influenced by their peers and by social‑media content (Instagram, TikTok) where vaping is often portrayed as trendy or harmless. The peer network helps spread awareness and access. aripk.com+2Business Recorder+2 -
Easy access and weak regulation
Many shops sell vaping devices without strict age‑verification and online sales bypass many checks. Regulatory frameworks in Pakistan for under‑18 access remain weak and inconsistent. Pakistan Today+1 -
Perceived lower harm
Teens may believe vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes—which reduces the barrier to use. They may think “it’s cool, it won’t hurt me” — despite evidence to the contrary. jpma.org.pk
What Risks Do Under‐18s Face?
Teenagers who vape face several significant risks:
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Nicotine addiction: The adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to addiction. Early exposure to nicotine through vaping can lead to dependence and make quitting difficult. Business Recorder+1
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Health harms: Vaping isn’t benign. Reports highlight the presence of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles in vape aerosol. Effects may include impaired lung function, breathing difficulties and potential long‑term harms. Dawn+1
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Cognitive and behavioural impact: Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impair attention, memory, impulse control and overall brain development. This interference can hamper academic performance and mental health. jpma.org.pk
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Gateway to other tobacco or substance use: Some teenagers may move from vaping to cigarette smoking or adopt dual‑use patterns (both cigarettes and vapes), increasing cumulative harm. Pakistan Today
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Social normalisation and hidden use: Teenagers may hide usage from parents or teachers, vape in school washrooms or outdoors, making detection difficult and intervention delayed. The Express Tribune+1
What is Being Done & What’s Missing
Actions taken:
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Some provincial measures have been introduced. For example, provincial authorities in Punjab and KP have considered restrictions around sales of vaping products, especially near educational institutions. Business Recorder+1
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Health‑based warning articles and opinions in major Pakistani media outlets are raising awareness of youth vaping trends. Dawn
Gaps and challenges remain:
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No uniform national law clearly setting minimum purchase age for vaping products, or consistently enforced rules for under 18s. The News International+1
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Age verification at retail and online is weak to non‑existent in many areas, allowing under‑18s to access devices.
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Marketing of flavoured vape products continues unregulated, often appealing to youth.
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Lack of longitudinal data specific to Pakistani teens—how many under 18s become regular users, how many transition to smoking, health outcomes over time.
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Educational outreach targeted at teenagers, schools and parents is still limited.
What Needs to Happen to Protect Teenagers
Here are critical steps that should be taken:
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Enforce minimum age limits for vaping purchases (e.g., 18+), with mandatory ID checks and penalties for non‑compliant vendors.
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Restrict sales near schools and educational institutions, with licensing for vape retailers and the prohibition of youth‑targeted flavours/packaging.
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Launch school‑based educational programmes to inform teenagers about the real risks of vaping, addiction and health implications.
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Run public‑awareness campaigns aimed at parents and guardians to help them recognise signs of vaping, talk to their children and intervene early.
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Conduct research focusing on under‑18 age groups in Pakistan to track prevalence, patterns, health impacts and to inform policy.
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Regulate online sales and imports of vapes, ensuring age‑verification, restricted flavours and controlled access.
Conclusion
The surge in vaping among teenagers under 18 in Pakistan is an alarming trend with profound health, social and regulatory implications. For parents, educators, public‑health authorities and policymakers, the message is clear: ignore the “harmless vape” narrative at your peril. These devices are increasingly accessible, appealing to youth, and laden with risk. Meaningful regulation, combined with education and enforcement, is crucial if we are to prevent a nicotine‑addicted generation in Pakistan. The time to act is now—before a temporary trend becomes a long‑term crisis.
