Activists warn against vaping promotion

PESHAWAR:

The Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has expressed its deep concern over the recently held Vape Expo Pakistan 2025 in Lahore, which took place from February 7 to 9. The event, billed as a platform to promote international vaping brands and create collaboration among industry pioneers, retailers, and enthusiasts, represents a dangerous shift in public health priorities in Pakistan.

This expo, far from being a harmless celebration of technological innovation, serves as a catalyst for the promotion of e-cigarettes and vaping devices that have been associated with a host of health risks. While organizers claim that vaping is a form of harm reduction compared to traditional tobacco smoking, mounting scientific research indicates that these devices expose users to toxic chemicals, potentially leading to serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

The long-term health impacts of vaping remain largely uncertain, but preliminary evidence suggests that these products are far from benign. The event's high-profile nature has only amplified its impact, especially among the youth. By glamorizing vaping and presenting it as a trendy alternative to conventional smoking, such gatherings risk enticing non-smokers.