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11.6% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 18.3 million current smokers in Pakistan
20.6% of men are current smokers but only 2.6% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-12-11
Smoking in Pakistan
There has been a very slight downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Pakistan. In 2000 the overall prevalence was estimated to be just under 23%; this reduced to 19% in 2015, with a projection to decrease slightly further to 18.6% by 2025. The trend for men's smoking prevalence has been downwards, from 37% to 35% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to stay at roughly this level by 2025 according to WHO trend data. By contrast, women's smoking during the same period decreased from 8% in 2000 to 3% in 2015, and is projected to be 1.4% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
130,593
Deaths
Each year, 130,593 deaths in Pakistan are attributed to tobacco smoking.
11.6%
tobacco smoking
Data collected in 2024 indicate that 11.6% of people in Pakistan were Cigarettes users.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Pakistan
In Pakistan, vaping is legal and available. People can freely buy and sell vape devices and nicotine products without any restrictions. Businesses are also allowed to import and trade these products and anyone over the age of 18 can purchase them. Vape products are also allowed to be marketed, and many shops cater them. However, while vaping is allowed, there are social guidelines to keep in mind. It is advised not to vape in public places or religious sites like mosques and hospitals. In summary, vaping is a legal and accessible choice for adults in Pakistan.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Pakistan
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are legally allowed in Pakistan. Under these regulations, HTPs are classified as tobacco products, and it is legal to sell, use, purchase online, and market them. All flavors are permitted and there is no excise tax. However, there are still some restrictions on HTPs: advertising these products is prohibited, manufacturers are required to display health warnings on packaging and avoid making health claims, and the nicotine concentration is limited to 20 mg/ml. Additionally, there is a minimum age requirement of 18 years, and HTPs are not allowed to be used in public places. Overall, Pakistan adopts a relatively favorable stance toward HTPs.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Pakistan
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in Pakistan. Purchasing NRT products without a prescription is also permitted. However, there is no government support for these products, as they are not included on Pakistan’s essential drugs list.
Snus
in Pakistan
Pakistan has a favourable regulatory environment for snus. The sale, purchase, and use of snus are permitted by law. There are no restrictions on flavour ranges, and no excise tax is levied. However, some regulatory requirements still exist: manufacturers are required to include health warnings on the packaging, and health claims are not permitted.
Pouches
in Pakistan
According to the Anti-Smoking Global Index, nicotine pouches are legally allowed in Pakistan, including for online purchase and use. There are no excise taxes levied on these products. However, certain restrictions apply, such as a ban on health claims and a requirement for health warnings on packaging. Notably, Tobacco Intelligence reported in the same year that there are no specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Pakistan, and that these products are sold as consumer products.
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.