Several residents of Kabul have expressed concern over the steadily increasing use of “pan” among young people and teenagers. They say the consumption of this substance, especially near schools and gathering places for youth, has risen, and the lack of serious oversight has made it easily accessible even to children. According to these individuals, low prices, easy availability, and insufficient awareness among families about the consequences have led to the use becoming a common practice in society, particularly among young people. They emphasize that if this trend continues, it could become a social problem in the future and seriously threaten the health of the younger generation. Another major concern is the widespread misconception among the public that these substances are harmless. In their view, if access to these substances is restricted, the tendency among youth and teenagers will also decline. These residents are calling on the Taliban to ban the sale of such substances to underage individuals, limit access to them, and at the same time launch awareness programs about their potential harms.
These days, in various corners of Kabul’s streets, small white sachets can be seen, sold under the name “pan” at low prices and in different flavors and packaging, making them readily available to young people and teenagers. These sachets have quickly gained popularity and have even led some youth to consider their use as normal.
Ahmad, a resident of Kabul, says the increasing use of “pan” among young people and teenagers is concerning. According to him, more dangerous than anything else is the public’s misconception about these substances, as many families lack sufficient awareness of their harms. This Kabul resident calls on the media to raise awareness about the dangers of pan so that young people and teenagers do not approach it, even out of curiosity.
He adds, “Most people think that pan is less harmful than before. Previously, these substances were offered in different packaging, but now they enter the market in new packaging, and some believe they are harmless. This is not the case, and even more additives are used in them. Since this product is manufactured in India, its nicotine content is also high.”
Ahmad emphasizes that the use of pan can cause serious health damage. According to him, quitting pan is even more difficult than quitting hashish and other intoxicating substances. He says: “Pan damages the mouth and teeth, increases the risk of cancer, and can cause heart problems. Young people should not turn to using these substances. Quitting this habit is very difficult. I have seen people who have tried to quit pan, and it is not easy to get rid of it.”
Hasan Gul, another resident of Kabul, says that “pan” has many harmful effects and that young people should not use it. He calls on the Taliban to ban access to these substances, especially near boys’ schools. He warns that if access to these substances is not prohibited, the likelihood of increased use among young people and teenagers will rise.
He adds, “Both pan and naswar are harmful, and we do not recommend using these substances at all. However, some people believe that pan is less harmful than Naswar. While Naswar is more common among older men, pan has become more popular among the younger generation. The use of these substances also has social consequences. Everything has its own culture of use, but the consumption of pan by some youth also leads to environmental pollution.”
Meanwhile, some young people who use pan consider it better than Naswar. They add that these substances have made it easier for them to use them anytime and anywhere.
Shir Alam, another resident of Kabul, says that pan is better than Naswar and, in his view, it can be used. According to him, these substances are offered in better packaging and do not cause bad breath.
He adds: “Pan is better than Naswar in terms of health, because Naswar is somewhat harmful and pollutes the environment, but pan does not have such problems. Its residue is easier to dispose of, and using it is simple under any conditions. It does not cause bad breath. Economically, pan is also more affordable, because its preparation process is simpler than that of Naswar and does not require much effort.”
At the same time, several doctors, expressing concern, warn that the use of any substance containing tobacco can lead to cancers of the esophagus, stomach, lips, mouth, teeth, lungs, and pancreas. Tobacco use also damages the lungs and respiratory system, causes cardiovascular problems and strokes, reduces fertility in both women and men, and increases the likelihood of miscarriage or the birth of premature and low-weight infants.
Bismillah Ghafari, a doctor, says that pan is addictive and should not be used. He explains: “Pan is made from industrial substances and is used in Asian countries, including Afghanistan, to relieve stress and for pleasure. This substance is addictive, mainly due to the nicotine it contains. Stopping its use can lead to anxiety and irritability. It damages the brain and causes oral and dental problems, including gum inflammation, bad breath, loosening of teeth, and the formation of white plaques. Its use can also lead to various types of cancer.”
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) had warned that tobacco use among young people and teenagers in Afghanistan is rapidly increasing. The organization added that one out of every four adults in Afghanistan uses tobacco.
Pan is a type of synthetic narcotic substance that traffickers market as a mouth freshener or under various brand names. Currently, several types of pans are available on the market, known as pan 55, pan 555, pan 24, pan 66, and pan Cool. These varieties differ in quality and flavor, but their prices are almost the same. These types of pan are essentially versions of Indian and Pakistani Naswar.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
جوانان و نوجوانان در کام اعتیاد؛ پان جان و سلامت نسل را میبلعد
