ISLAMABAD, May 30, 2026: The Endit Foundation has released what it describes as Pakistan’s first dedicated vaping survey, reporting that a majority of surveyed smokers reduced their cigarette consumption after using electronic cigarettes. The study also highlights concerns about limited regulation, public awareness, and enforcement measures related to vaping products.
The report, Vaping Voices: Exploring Tobacco Harm Reduction in Lahore, was launched at the Islamabad National Press Club. Based on responses from vape users in Lahore, the study examines how smokers are using electronic cigarettes as an alternative to combustible tobacco products and explores broader issues surrounding tobacco harm reduction in Pakistan.
According to the Endit Foundation, Pakistan records more than 163,500 tobacco-related deaths annually. The organization also cited estimates showing that the economic burden of tobacco use reached Rs615 billion in 2019 and could rise to nearly Rs926 billion by the end of 2025 without further intervention.
The survey was conducted in September 2025 and included 1,710 current or recent vape users recruited from 100 vape shops across 10 major commercial markets in Lahore. Participants were asked about their smoking history, attempts to quit, health experiences, perceptions of vaping, and factors influencing their decisions to use vaping products.
Among the 1,058 respondents who reported a history of cigarette smoking, 60% said vaping had helped them reduce cigarette consumption. Of those respondents, 53% reported a significant reduction, while 7% reported a moderate reduction.
The study found that 13% of respondents with a smoking history had stopped smoking cigarettes entirely within the previous 12 months. Among those who quit smoking, 94% reported making the transition within six months of starting to vape.
Researchers also reported that 65% of respondents had either used vaping products in an effort to quit smoking or planned to do so in the future.
Public awareness and perceptions
The report found mixed perceptions about vaping among respondents. According to the findings, 26% agreed that vaping is safe when asked directly. However, that figure increased to 39% when participants were asked whether switching from cigarettes to vaping could reduce smoking-related health risks.
Dr. Ziauddin Islam, Chief Executive Officer of the Endit Foundation, said the findings suggest that public understanding of vaping and tobacco harm reduction remains limited and that greater access to reliable health information is needed.
Concerns over regulation and youth access
The report also raised concerns about the enforcement of age restrictions and broader regulatory oversight of vaping products. Researchers said survey responses indicated limited awareness of enforcement measures in the retail market.
Muhammad Faisal, Director of Research at the Endit Foundation, said the findings point to the need for clearer policies and stronger implementation mechanisms related to vaping products and youth access controls.
Based on the survey results, the Endit Foundation called on the federal government, the Ministry of National Health Services, and relevant regulators to review existing approaches to vaping regulation and tobacco harm reduction.
The Endit Foundation is an Islamabad-based public health organization that conducts research and advocacy on tobacco harm reduction and reduced-risk nicotine products in Pakistan.
