"Why do you smoke?" is a question I recently asked Faraz, a friend and regular user of vaping devices. He immediately corrected me, saying, "I vape, it's different." His quick correction underscores a distinction that many vapers make to separate their habit from traditional smoking. But does vaping truly differ from smoking in any meaningful way?
Vaping, or e-cigarettes (though slightly different, they are often used interchangeably), first emerged in China in 2003 and entered the U.S. market by 2007. Despite their different appearance, the core purpose remains the same: to deliver nicotine. Faraz argues that vapes are safer than cigarettes. He, along with other proponents, claims that vaping is less harmful because it doesn’t involve burning tobacco, but instead uses liquid to produce vapor. The fact that the vapor is scent-free and comes in over 50 flavors available in Pakistan has led many to view it as a harmless alternative. However, one crucial factor is often overlooked—nicotine is still present. Research from China, using 11C-nicotine PET scans, has shown that nicotine uptake in the brain from e-cigarettes is comparable to that of regular cigarettes. Blood nicotine concentrations after vaping are strikingly similar to those from smoking a cigarette, suggesting that vaping can also lead to nicotine addiction.
Vaping made its way to Pakistan after 2010 and gained significant popularity around 2013. Tobacco use in the country is substantial, with approximately 23.9 million smokers and 16 million people using smokeless tobacco products. This number has been steadily increasing each year. Among those who embraced the trend is Hanan, a 25-year-old recent medical graduate. He first encountered vaping through social media during his high school years, about nine years ago.
At the time, vaping was more of a trend—much like the current craze for Dubai Kunafa bars. With Snapchat rising in popularity, there was a buzz around posting snaps with different types of vapes, which made people eager to try them. For Hanan, vaping seemed appealing not only because of the "cool factor" but also because it didn’t have the strong smell of cigarettes, allowing him to vape around his family without them noticing. Initially, vaping was expensive and not easily accessible, but over time, it became more affordable. Today, Hanan has reduced his vaping habit to using his device only about twice a week when he’s with friends—a behavior he attributes to peer pressure. He no longer carries his vape around to avoid temptation and admits that he has noticed its negative effects on both his physical health and mental well-being. This experience is in line with studies showing the adverse impacts of vaping, including carcinogenic effects from nicotine, as well as potential damage to the oral, gastrointestinal, and even reproductive systems.
The online market for vaping products operates largely unregulated, and there are no age restrictions on the purchase or sale of these items
In Pakistan, the rise of vaping has been closely linked to the increasing availability of vapes in stores. Official statistics show 1,379 shops selling vapes and tobacco products, but the actual number is likely much higher. In Islamabad alone, there are at least 67 shops actively selling vaping products, with their addresses and locations easily accessible. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the number of vape-selling shops could be in the hundreds. These outlets aren’t limited to standalone stores; pan shops, cyber cafés, and even mobile shops have joined the market. One of the largest concentrations of vape and tobacco stores is in the I-8 sector of Islamabad, notably located near the H-8 school district. This proximity makes secondary school students a prime target for vaping products.
The rise of vaping in Pakistan has been fueled by illegal imports, particularly from the UAE, making these products more affordable. Vaping devices now cost between 4,000 to 5,000 Pakistani rupees, with refill prices ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 rupees. Furthermore, online platforms have made these products even more accessible, with same-day delivery options readily available.
Sana, a university student from Lahore, recalls how she was introduced to vaping by her younger brother, who brought her a vape from one of his friends. Peer pressure played a significant role in her decision to try it. However, she quickly realised she didn’t like the taste and quit after just two weeks. Reflecting on her brief experience, she recognises that a combination of factors—peer pressure, moving to a new city for university, and the desire to try something new—led her to experiment with vaping.
Not everything about vaping is negative. Many adults have turned to e-cigarettes in an effort to quit smoking. Saad, who began smoking as a teenager, is one such example. He switched to vaping as part of his attempt to quit traditional cigarettes. While he admits that vaping has helped him reduce his cigarette consumption, he believes that there should be a legal age restriction of 21 for purchasing vaping devices and cigarettes. According to Saad, it’s too easy for almost anyone to walk into a shop and buy them. Additionally, Saad points out that vaping has now spread to smaller towns and villages. Given the history of hookah use in these areas, he fears that vaping could quickly become a widespread issue.
Despite the growing popularity of vaping, Pakistan has yet to implement effective tobacco control laws specifically addressing e-cigarettes. There are virtually no restrictions on the use, advertising, promotion, or packaging of e-cigarettes, nor are there regulations on device specifications or nicotine concentrations. The online market for vaping products operates largely unregulated, and there are no age restrictions on the purchase or sale of these items. This lack of oversight has contributed to the rapid spread of vaping products, making them easily accessible to young people across the country.
Vaping may be perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, it still poses significant health risks, particularly due to its nicotine content and the potential for addiction. As the popularity of vaping continues to grow, it’s crucial for authorities to implement stricter laws and raise awareness about its dangers. Only through comprehensive tobacco control policies and education can we hope to curb the potential harm caused by vaping, especially among vulnerable populations.
All names in this article have been changed to protect privacy