Lahore: Youth tobacco use in Pakistan has decreased substantially over the past decade, according to recent findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in 2013 and 2022. The survey, which focused on students aged 13-15, revealed a drop in current tobacco use from 10.7% to 6.8%. However, this positive trend is tempered by the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and a decrease in young smokers receiving professional help to quit.

According to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of the GYTS data, the decline in cigarette use, which fell sharply from 3.3% to 1.3%, contrasts with the emergence of e-cigarettes as the most common smoked product among Pakistani youth, now at 3.1%. Despite the overall reduction in tobacco use, the survey highlighted concerning trends, such as the diminished enforcement of age restrictions and the doubling of single-stick cigarette sales among young smokers. Additionally, the percentage of young smokers receiving professional cessation support has dropped from 27.0% to 15.9%, despite an increase in quit attempts.

The survey also detailed shifts in the product landscape, with smokeless tobacco use decreasing only marginally and nicotine pouches gaining traction among students. The data suggests a structural shift in youth tobacco exposure, as newer products become harder to regulate. Moreover, beliefs about the harm of secondhand smoke have decreased, with only 54.5% of students in 2022 definitely believing it to be harmful, down from 75.9% in 2013.

The findings underscore the complexity of tobacco control efforts in Pakistan, highlighting the need for strengthened regulation and support systems to address the evolving landscape of youth tobacco use. The survey’s results call for renewed focus on enforcement and education to sustain and enhance the progress made in reducing tobacco use among young people.