Smoking among men in Pakistan has dropped significantly over the past decade, according to data highlighted by Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics.

Between 2014 and 2024, the smoking rate among Pakistani men fell from 22.2% to 15.8%, representing a 29% relative decline.

The downward trend suggests that tobacco control measures and growing awareness may be helping reduce cigarette use among men.

Female smoking shows sharp rise

However, the trend among women presents a different picture. Female smoking increased from 2.1% in 2014 to 3.3% in 2024.

This represents a 57% relative increase over the decade, raising concerns about the growing use of tobacco among Pakistani women.

Although the overall percentage remains much lower than the rate among men, experts say the increase should not be ignored.

New tobacco dashboard launched

The findings are based on data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics has included the figures in its newly launched Pakistan Tobacco Insights dashboard, which tracks long-term tobacco trends across the country.

The platform examines smoking rates by age and gender, exposure to secondhand smoke, cigarette pricing trends and public attitudes toward tobacco regulations.

Growing concern for public health

The contrasting trends highlight the need for tobacco control policies that address different patterns of tobacco use among men and women.

Health awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement of tobacco regulations and monitoring of emerging tobacco products could play an important role in preventing further increases.

The latest figures also suggest that national smoking averages alone may not provide a complete picture of changing tobacco habits in Pakistan.