KP govt imposes tax on Naswar
KP government has decided to impose Rs. 2.50 per kilo tax on Naswar
(Web Desk) – Snuff tobacco commonly known as ‘Naswar’ is a health hazard causing oral cancer. The addictive chewed smokeless tobacco is a habit not frowned upon in KP. Resultantly young and old male and female both are accustomed and addicted to the use of Naswar.
Naswar is made from fresh tobacco leaves, calcium oxide and wood ash. Its chemical composition consists of unionized nicotine, carcinogenic tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs), which has negative impact on oral and general health. It is available in red, green, grey (or black) variety.
It is made by pouring water into a cement-lined cavity, to which slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and air-cured, sun-dried, powdered tobacco is added. Indigo is added to the mixture to impart color and juniper ash may be added as flavoring.
It is commonly chewed by placing between the gums giving an instant high to the consumer. Naswar production has become a billion Rupee industry produced from mini factories and supplied to all the provinces in Pakistan as the addictive substance is cheaper and a source of ecstasy.
However the best quality of Naswar is produced in Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu. There is a large variety of Naswar depending on its addictive nature. With more than 30 brands available some are Toor Khamar, Missile, Safarish Khan Lucky and F-16.
To the masses it is a cheap drug that gives them joy through the constant high it gives. They are unaware of the health hazard of Naswar which is responsible for many ailments such as lung, stomach and mouth cancer. Other than cancer it also causes bronchitis, kidney, heart and other diseases.
The KP government considering recommendations, has decided to impose Rs. 2.50 per kilo tax on Naswar which is readily available at cheap rates of 8-10 Rupees in the market.
The majority of Pashtuns have spoken up against the tax which will raise the price of the drug and will dampen their ‘sasta nasha.’
Earlier, federal government has also imposed tax on cigarettes in the budget.
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