While smoking rates among men in Pakistan have fallen steadily over the past decade, tobacco use among women has increased sharply, according to new data highlighted by Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics. Between 2014 and 2024, smoking among Pakistani men dropped from 22.2% to 15.8%, showing a 29% relative decline. The downward trend suggests progress in national tobacco control efforts aimed at reducing cigarette use among men.

Between 2014 and 2024, smoking among Pakistani men dropped from 22.2% to 15.8%, showing a 29% relative decline. The downward trend suggests progress in national tobacco control efforts aimed at reducing cigarette use among men.

The picture is very different for women. During the same period, the female smoking rate rose from 2.1% to 3.3%, marking a 57% relative increase.

Although women still smoke at much lower rates than men in absolute terms, researchers say the upward trend among females is significant and could be overlooked if only national averages are considered.

The findings are based on data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. They have been included in Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics’ newly launched dashboard, Pakistan Tobacco Insights.

The platform tracks long-term trends in smoking prevalence by age and gender, secondhand smoke exposure, cigarette pricing patterns and public opinion on tobacco regulations.

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