Experts push for strict social media oversight as 'Vaping Trend' grows, tobacco-linked deaths rise annually

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) With vaping increasingly visible among young people, health experts have renewed calls for effective legislation, stronger regulatory oversight and sustained media awareness campaigns, warning that smoking and nicotine use continue to cause serious lung, heart and stroke-related diseases, which are linked to around 166,000 deaths annually from tobacco-related illnesses.

A report by a local media outlet has highlighted a rising trend of smoking and vaping among youth and even daily wage workers, warning that exposure to harmful chemicals in cigarettes is leading to serious health complications and premature deaths.

It further notes that online cigarette sales, along with the introduction of new flavored vaping products are being marketed in an attractive and glamorous way to target young users.

Experts say this growing trend is no longer limited to university students but is also reaching children as young as 12 to 14 years.

According to the report, around 1,200 cigarettes are being sold daily in certain areas, with more young people reportedly initiating smoking habits, raising concerns that it is becoming a silent killer affecting public health.

Medical experts including renowned specialist Prof. Dr. Bilal Mohyuddin, Cardiologist Dr.

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Shahnaz have warned of severe health risks associated with smoking and vaping, urging immediate awareness and preventive measures to curb the growing addiction.

Dr. Irfan Malik, an expert warned that rising smoking and vaping cases among youth were leading to serious lung damage and called for strict laws, a clear regulatory framework and stronger public awareness campaigns to control the trend.

Dr. Bilal Muhayudin added the increasing use of nicotine products was significantly raising the risk of heart diseases at younger age and stressed the need for effective regulation, enforcement of vaping laws and widespread awareness to protect public health.

Dr. Shahnaz, medical expert, termed vaping and smoking a growing public health threat and urged authorities to introduce comprehensive regulatory measures along with sustained awareness efforts to prevent addiction among children and teenagers.

They said World Health Organization also expressed serious concerned that children and young people were being deliberately targeted by tobacco and nicotine industries, with social media influencers also playing a key role in promoting these products.

It said urgent regulation, strict enforcement and stronger awareness campaigns were needed to curb this growing threat and protect future generations.