How Many Pakistanis Use Vapes? 1.2 Million Users Revealed

Over 1.2 million Pakistanis are estimated to use vaping devices, according to a 2026 Gallup Pakistan survey. Despite this usage, general public awareness remains low, with only 17% of respondents familiar with e-cigarettes. The study identifies youth as the most affected demographic, driven largely by fashion trends and experimentation.

Key Takeaways:

User Base: 1.2 million+ active vapers estimated nationwide.
Low Awareness: Only 17% of the population has heard of vaping.
Youth Impact: 45% of respondents see youth as the primary group affected.
Key Drivers: Fashion (41%) and experimentation (15%) fuel youth uptake.

Vaping prevalence in Pakistan refers to the estimated 1.2 million individuals currently using electronic cigarettes, a figure that highlights a rapidly growing user base despite limited general public knowledge. A new nationwide survey by Gallup Pakistan sheds light on this emerging trend, revealing significant gaps in awareness and growing concerns about its impact on the younger generation.

Public Awareness vs. Usage Reality

The survey, conducted in late 2025 and released in January 2026, paints a contrasting picture of the Pakistani nicotine landscape. While traditional tobacco use has been declining, alternative products are gaining a foothold.

Product Category	Public Awareness Level	User Estimate
Electronic Cigarettes / Vapes	17%	1.2 Million+
Chewing Tobacco / Nicotine Pouches	20%	(Not specified in text)

Awareness was notably higher among urban residents and wealthier demographics. Among those who were aware of vaping, the majority (60%) claimed they did not know any users personally, suggesting that usage might be concentrated in specific social circles or demographics.

Why Are Youth Turning to Vapes?

Respondents overwhelmingly identified young people as the demographic most affected by smoking and vaping trends. The survey delved into the perceived reasons behind this uptake:

Fashion and Style Trends (41%): The primary driver, suggesting vaping is seen as a lifestyle accessory.
Experimentation and Fun (15%): Curiosity plays a significant role in initiation.
Nicotine Addiction (9%): A smaller percentage cited dependency as the main driver.
Peer Pressure (8%): Social influence remains a factor.

There was also significant concern regarding flavored chewing tobacco products, with 54% of aware respondents believing that flavors actively attract younger users.

Survey-on-Public-Awareness-and-Attitudes-Toward-Vaping-and-Chewing-Tobacco-in-Pakistan_Final-Report_Final-Report-2-Eq7qzUFEBz Download

Health Perceptions and Policy Implications

Despite the marketing of vapes as harm-reduction tools, public perception in Pakistan remains skeptical. Most respondents viewed vaping as harmful or equally as harmful as conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, 71% of those aware of vaping believed that second-hand vapor poses health risks to others.

Bilal Gilani, Executive Director of Gallup Pakistan, emphasized the need for vigilance. “We need to be watchful and ensure that the introduction of such alternatives does not reverse Pakistan’s declining trend in tobacco consumption,” he stated. The report suggests that further targeted research is required to fully understand usage patterns, particularly among minors who were not directly surveyed but are anecdotally known to be users.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.