Pakistan has recorded a notable decline in smoking among men over the past decade. However, recent data shows a different trend among women.
Male smoking fell from 22.2% in 2014 to 15.8% in 2024. This represents a 29% relative decline over the ten-year period.
The decline is being viewed as a positive sign for tobacco control efforts. It suggests that measures introduced over the past decade have influenced smoking behaviour among men.
However, female smoking moved in the opposite direction during the same period. The rate increased from 2.1% in 2014 to 3.3% in 2024.
This represents a 57% relative increase among women. Female smoking remains much lower than the male rate in absolute terms.
Despite this difference, the increase has raised concerns about changing tobacco-use patterns. Women are currently the only major demographic group showing an upward trend.
The figures highlight the importance of examining smoking patterns across different population groups. National averages can sometimes hide significant differences between demographic categories.
The data also shows why gender-based analysis is important for tobacco control policies. Trends among men and women may require different approaches and targeted measures.
The decline in male smoking indicates progress in reducing tobacco consumption. However, the increase among women presents a new challenge for public health authorities.
To provide more detailed information, Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics has launched the Pakistan Tobacco Insights dashboard. The platform brings together tobacco-related data from multiple sources.
The dashboard uses a decade of information from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. It also includes data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.
Users can examine smoking rates according to gender and age. The platform also provides information about exposure to secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke data covers different locations and environments. This can help provide a broader understanding of tobacco exposure in Pakistan.
The dashboard also tracks changes in cigarette prices. It includes information about public attitudes toward tobacco policies.
By combining these indicators, Pakistan Tobacco Insights offers a broader view of tobacco trends. The platform can help users compare changes over time.
The latest figures show that smoking patterns in Pakistan are changing. Men have recorded a substantial decline, while women have experienced an increase.
The contrasting trends underline the need for continued monitoring. Policymakers may need to consider gender-specific patterns when developing future tobacco control measures.
The figures also demonstrate the value of long-term data. Comparing trends over several years can provide a clearer picture than examining individual surveys.
Overall, smoking among Pakistani men has declined significantly since 2014. At the same time, the rise among women remains an important concern.
The latest data therefore presents a mixed picture for tobacco control in Pakistan. Continued research and targeted policies could help address the changing trends.
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The Pakistan Tobacco Insights dashboard provides another tool for understanding these developments. Its data can help track smoking, tobacco exposure, pricing, and public attitudes over time.
