AMONGST our youth, mindless ignorance has spread like wildfire, where following any or every trend is considered a sacred duty. No matter how senseless the trend may be, it is still followed to uphold a fake sense of respect and to be acceptable among peers. One such malaise is vaping and nicotine pouches. According to a recent survey, the use of vapes and nicotine pouches among school-going children aged 10-16 years is higher than cigarette smoking. It is unfortunate that shopkeepers sell such toxic elements to underage children without any action by the government.

Although such activities may seem like ‘fun’, nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the development of brain as well as damage lungs and heart. Nicotine pouches can irritate gums, increase blood pressure and pose cardiovascular risk. Aggressive marketing strategies by unethical companies seem to be working as the consumption of these drugs is spreading exponentially across the country. Owing to societal pressures, whoever does not indulge in such harmful activities is seen as either a ‘coward’ or ‘weak’. This needs to change, and change quickly.

Safiullah Faisal
Sheikhupura

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026