Some residents of Kabul have expressed concern over the rising use of naswar and paan among young girls and boys. They note that due to their low cost and easy availability, these substances have become commonplace in society. However, doctors warn that consuming any tobacco-containing substance can lead to cancers of the esophagus, stomach, lips, mouth, teeth, lungs, and pancreas. Some doctors and nurses report that many women visiting hospitals are relatives of Taliban members who have come to Kabul from the provinces. Additionally, the report’s findings indicate that some teenagers and school students are also using paan.
Kabul residents add that in recent years, the use of paan and naswar has increased due to their affordability and abundance. According to them, teenagers and young people are more inclined to use paan, while middle-aged individuals prefer naswar due to its lower cost.
Akram (pseudonym), a naswar vendor, says that a packet of naswar costs 5 Afghanis, and a packet of paan costs 10 Afghanis. He adds, “Most teenagers and young people come to my shop to buy paan, while middle-aged individuals purchase naswar.”
However, some young naswar users, in conversations with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, say their use of these substances stemmed from curiosity and the excitement of youth.
Shafiq (pseudonym), 26, says he first tried paan at the age of 15 out of curiosity and youthful enthusiasm. He adds, “If I could go back, I would never do it again.” He emphasizes that he has tried to quit several times but has not succeeded.
In response to a question about how his friends and family react to his paan use, Shafiq says, “No one has the right to comment on this. I know what’s good and what’s bad for me. So far, I haven’t felt any negative changes in my body.”
Aabid (pseudonym), a teacher, says that during his time teaching at secondary and high schools, he frequently witnessed students using paan. He adds, “Currently, paan use among teenagers and young people has become normalized. In my opinion, 99 percent of them use this substance. I’ve even seen a ninth-grade student using a tablet K (synthetic drug).”
On the other hand, doctors and nurses, based on their observations, say that paan and naswar use has also become common among women and girls, though they emphasize that consumption is significantly higher among men.
Zubaida (pseudonym), a nurse, says she has repeatedly seen patients at the hospital pull out beautifully decorated tins with various designs from their pockets or bags, take naswar, and place it under their lips.
The nurse, whose patients are mostly women related to Taliban members, adds, “This isn’t new; I’ve seen it many times. Most women using naswar are from Taliban families who have come to Kabul. Many of these women, without regard for their surroundings, sit on the floor in hospital corridors and use naswar. Their children, often barefoot, wearing dirty clothes, and with little attention to hygiene, are only distinguished by their use of kohl as a sign of outward grooming.”
Jalwa (pseudonym), a paan user, says she grew up among boys, wearing masculine clothing, and her interest in paan stemmed from her friends. She notes that she consumes three to five paan packets daily [each paan packet contains 12 small sachets]. Jalwa emphasizes, “I use it because it makes me feel good. My family doesn’t know about it, and I’m certain that if they find out, I’ll face a harsh reaction.”
Some doctors, expressing concern, warn that consuming tobacco, whether in the form of cigarettes, naswar, or paan, can cause cancers of the throat, tongue, larynx, lips, stomach, and pancreas.
Shams (pseudonym), a doctor, says, “Tobacco use damages the lungs and respiratory system, cardiovascular system, increases the risk of strokes and various cancers, reduces fertility in both women and men, and raises the likelihood of miscarriage or preterm birth with low birth weight.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO), marking May 31 as World No Tobacco Day, has warned that tobacco use among Afghan youth and teenagers is rising significantly. The organization reports that one in four adults in Afghanistan uses tobacco.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
