ISLAMABAD: While male smoking rates in Pakistan have dropped steadily over the past decade, tobacco use among women has increased sharply, according to the new data highlighted by Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics.
Between 2014 and 2024, smoking among Pakistani men dropped from 22.2% to 15.8% — representing a 29% relative decline. The downward trend signals progress for national tobacco control policies aimed at curbing cigarette use among men.
However, data over the same ten-year period shows a contrasting trajectory for women. The female smoking rate rose from 2.1% to 3.3%, marking a 57% relative increase.
While female smoking remains significantly lower than male smoking in absolute terms, researchers note it is the only demographic moving in an upward direction. The divergent trends risk being overlooked when viewing national averages as a whole.
The findings were compiled using data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). The figures have been published as part of Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics’ newly launched dashboard, Pakistan Tobacco Insights.
The platform tracks decade-long trends, including smoking prevalence by age and gender, secondhand smoke exposure, cigarette pricing dynamics and public sentiment toward tobacco regulations.
