At a high profile press conference held at the National Press Club, Dr. Ziauddin Islam, a renowned public health specialist and former head of Pakistan’s Tobacco Control Cell, presented alarming findings from a nationwide study on vaping and Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products. Organized by the End It Foundation.
Dr. Ziauddin revealed that out of 1,710 vape users surveyed across ten major markets in Lahore, 38% had never smoked cigarettes but took up vaping after being attracted to appealing packaging and flavors. The survey, conducted in September 2023, shows that 88% of respondents were under 35 years old, with 69% between 18 and 24 years old. Notably, 38% of these young users had never smoked traditional cigarettes, while 6% began vaping before the age of 16, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory oversight.
The research, presented by Muhammad Faisal, Director of Research at End It Foundation, indicated that 60% of smokers who switched to vaping reported a reduction in cigarette consumption, while 13% quit smoking entirely within six months of adopting THR products. Despite this, 74% of smokers remain unaware that vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and many continue to use both products concurrently, highlighting the lack of public awareness and systemic guidance.
Dr. Ziauddin emphasized the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework in Pakistan for electronic nicotine delivery systems, warning that an unregulated market is leading to widespread, easy access for young people and creating a parallel nicotine addiction among non smokers. “The market is operating without proper checks,” he said. “Products are available in ordinary shops, superstores, and kiosks, often without age verification, posing a significant risk to adolescents.”
The conference also addressed international perspectives, citing examples from Sweden and New Zealand, where smoke free policies and regulated THR products have successfully reduced cigarette usage. However, Dr. Ziauddin cautioned against assuming THR products are completely safe. “These products are harmful, just less harmful than cigarettes,” he said. He stressed that THR should only be used by adults making informed decisions, not as a promotional tool or gateway for youth to nicotine consumption.
After Questioned Dr. Ziauddin clarified that the intent is not promotion but harm reduction and urged the government to establish strict regulations, implement age restrictions, and provide accurate information to the public.
The End It Foundation called for immediate action, including the creation of a legal framework to regulate vaping products, enforce restrictions on underage sales, and integrate evidence based public health messaging. The organization stressed that without these measures, nicotine addiction among young Pakistanis could rise unchecked, undermining national efforts to combat tobacco-related diseases.
The press conference underscored the urgency of policy intervention, noting that while 65% of users expressed a desire to quit smoking, there is no structured support system to guide them. Dr. Ziauddin concluded by urging further large scale studies across Pakistan to formulate a comprehensive national strategy for tobacco harm reduction.
