Balochistan bans consumption and sale of gutka

The Balochistan Food Authority has placed a ban on gutka consumption in the province.

BFA Director-General Ibrahim Baloch claimed that gutka consumption is detrimental to health. People who consume it on a daily basis suffer risks of being diagnosed with mouth cancer, or even tongue or throat.

“We are not going to let anybody take human lives so lightly,” he remarked.

Those who manufacture and sell gutka have been imposed a restriction too.

The food authority has issued a notice to deputy commissioners, requesting them to take action along with consumers against those who manufacture and sell gutka

The food authority has given a notice to all deputy commissioners, asking them to take action together with the consumers against those who manufacture and sell gutka.

Sindh has placed a ban on the use and selling of gutka already. On 19 December 2019 the Provincial Assembly passed the Sindh Prohibition of Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Selling and Use of Gutka and Mainpuri Act, 2019.

According to the statute, gutka chewing will result in six years’ imprisonment, and violators will face a fine of Rs500,000.