There has been an alarming rise in vaping among young people in Pakistan. The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes and vapes has become a pressing public health issue that demands attention. In a recent study on university and college students of Karachi, the prevalence of vaping was found to be 68 per cent.
Thousands of vape shops have been opened in all major cities and towns of the country, providing an easy access to vaping products to our youth. The flavours and sleek designs of these products have made them appealing to teenagers who are unaware of the serious health risks associated with vaping.
The recent surge in vaping-related illnesses and deaths worldwide is a stark reminder of the dangers of these products. Nicotine addiction, respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases are just a few of the health risks linked to vaping. Research has so far identified over 2,000 toxins in each puff of vape.
The step taken by the Punjab government to ban shops selling vaping products deserves appreciation. In contrast, as a health professional, I am not happy with the Lahore High Court’s decision to grant a stay order to vaping shop-owners, allowing them to reopen and sell these highly addictive substances.
The judge’s reasoning that there is no law on vaping in Pakistan, and, therefore, the Punjab government cannot stop people from opening shops and selling vaping products, is flawed. If there was no law, then, one might ask, under what law did these shops open and start selling highly addictive nicotine products?
Furthermore, if there is no law, then how is the federal government collecting excise duty from e-liquid used in vaping products?
Such contradictions highlight the need for urgent action to address the vaping epidemic in the country. We must not forget the bottom line; it is the health of our future generations that is at stake.
PROF (DR) JAVAID KHAN
KARACHI
