ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – The Capital Administration and Development (CAD) has suggested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Ministry of Finance to bring snuff (Naswar) into tax net.
According to CAD Naswar is also an industry like cigarette, sheesha and other tobacco items, it should be included in tax net from next year in ‘smoking free project’.
According to official figures, more than 70 percent of the people in northwest province are in the habit of chewing Naswar. Many however, take it as a pinch and packed into the jowl.
CAD director has also suggested KP government and Ministry of Finance to register the persons having Naswar business.
Naswar from Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu is famous for its quality. It is made from fresh tobacco leaves, calcium oxide and wood ash.
According to the figures of Pakistan Tobacco Board, there is a huge market for Naswar in the province estimated at around Rs. 6 billion annually.
According to pulmonologists, use of Naswar directly causes lung, stomach and mouth cancer besides causing bronchitis, kidney, heart and other diseases.
Naswar is popular among all age groups from 12 years old to septuagenarians.
Women are also among Naswar addicts but it is more popular among the younger lot who imitate their elders.
