KARACHI, May 30: The Karachi chapter of Pakistan Medical Association demanded that the government destroy the 300 containers of fungus-infected betel nut, weighing almost 8000 tons that was imported from Indonesia and forfeited by custom officials at the port.

The demand was voiced by the officer bearers of the association while speaking at a press conference on Friday. The chairman of Helpline Trust was also present on the occasion.

The speakers thanked the government which, through the attorney general of Pakistan, Makhdoom Ali Khan, had stayed the release of the betel nut. The release order had earlier been issued by a court.

Prominent among those who spoke were Dr Qaiser Sajjad, Dr Habib Soomro, Dr Hasib Alam, Dr Siraj-ud-daulah, Dr Nadeem Rizvi, and Dr Tipu Sultan.

Drawing the attention of the higher authorities to the dangers of releasing 300 contaminated betel nut containers into the market, which had been declared unfit for human consumption, they recommended that the entire consignment be destroyed. If the consignment reached the market, the health of the public, especially children, would be affected badly.

Dr Qaiser Sajjad, an ENT specialist at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, said cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, larynx, liver and lungs might be attributed to the growing use of betel nut. It was ironic that now in most of the marriage ceremonies, guests were served betel nut concoctions instead of traditional dry dates.

“There exist many instances that well dressed children were brought to doctors direct from such events with chhalia stuck in their throats and respiratory tract exposing them to severe problems.”

He pointed out that in Karachi alone, some 122 brands of betel nut were sold under various names and consumed in overwhelming numbers of children which clearly signified their inclination towards its use.

“Similarly another imported product from India, gutka, which is lethal for consumers, is fast gaining popularity among the youth. It is seen as one of the major sources of mouth and tongue cancers.”

He said: “According to rough estimates, it is more popular in Pakistan compared to where it is produced which reflects pathetic attitude of the government,” he added.

He lamented that in the past several requests had been forwarded to the then provincial health minister to impose a ban on the sale of betel nut. “However, he kept on making promises in this regard, which were never honoured.”

Hamid Maker, referring to a report of Karachi University, said betel nut of some brands were laced with additives, including heroin. Copies of this report had been sent to higher authorities, but unfortunately so far no preventive steps had been taken yet.

Expressing his apprehension, he said the release of 8000 tons of the betel nut could lead to the production of 10 millions packets of contaminated sweet supari.—PPI