A new national study titled the Pakistan vaping awareness survey has revealed that a large majority of adults in the country remain unfamiliar with electronic cigarettes and vaping, despite the issue gaining attention globally. The findings are based on a 2026 survey conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan, one of the country’s most established research organisations.
According to the survey results, only 17 percent of Pakistani adults said they have heard about vaping or electronic cigarettes. This means more than four out of five adults have little to no awareness of the product, highlighting a significant information gap at a time when many countries are debating vaping regulations and harm-reduction policies.
The survey was conducted nationwide and covered different age groups, education levels, and geographic regions, offering a broad snapshot of public awareness across Pakistan.
Education and age shape awareness levels
The Pakistan vaping awareness survey shows that education plays a decisive role in whether people know about vaping. Among respondents with higher education, including university graduates, 43 percent reported awareness of electronic cigarettes. In contrast, only 12 percent of adults with education below FA level said they were familiar with vaping.
This wide gap of more than 30 percentage points suggests that access to information, exposure to global trends, and digital literacy significantly influence awareness. Younger Pakistanis also showed higher familiarity. Respondents under the age of 30 were the most informed group, while awareness steadily declined among older age brackets.
Experts say this pattern reflects how younger, educated individuals are more likely to encounter vaping-related discussions through social media, online platforms, and international content.
Urban-rural divide raises policy concerns
Another key finding of the Pakistan vaping awareness survey is the sharp difference between urban and rural populations. Urban residents were more than twice as likely to have heard about vaping compared to people living in rural areas.
Public health specialists believe this divide could complicate future regulatory efforts. If awareness remains concentrated in cities, rural communities may be left out of health messaging, whether the focus is regulation, prevention, or harm reduction.
While vaping continues to be debated worldwide for its potential risks and role as an alternative to traditional smoking, the survey indicates that Pakistan is still at a very early stage of public understanding. Analysts note that before introducing new laws or health campaigns, authorities may need to prioritise basic public education to ensure informed decision-making.
The findings underline the importance of data-driven policy, as regulators face the challenge of addressing an issue that remains largely unknown to most citizens.