Publication:

E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury: need for screening pediatric patients in emergency and triage for vaping

In Pakistan, 23.9 million individuals (19.1%) smoke regularly, while 15.9 million (12.4%) use smokeless tobacco (SLT). Around 6.2% of the population uses vaping or e-cigarettes. In a study from Sindh, 65.6% of participants reported being aware of e-cigarettes, and 6.2% said they used them. The prevalence of tobacco use among Pakistani youth (ages 13–15) is estimated at 10.7%, with boys at 13.3% and girls at 6.6%. Pakistan is also emerging as a major vaping hub, with projected e-cigarette revenue reaching $77.2 million by 2024 and an annual growth rate of 1.39%. According to the Hangsen Group, there are approximately 2,500 vape specialty stores and 5,000 sales outlets nationwide, with Karachi as the main distribution center.