The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat has raised objections to the proposed Regulation of Snuff (Naswar) Bill, 2026, slowing down its initial review process.
The private member’s bill was introduced by PML-N lawmaker Aamna Sardar and seeks to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of naswar across the province.
According to officials, the secretariat has questioned which government department would act as the relevant authority for implementing the proposed law. They said progress on the bill will remain on hold until the department is identified, after which the draft will be sent to the law department for final review.
The proposed legislation aims to bring the largely unregulated naswar industry under a formal legal framework, with a focus on public health and the protection of children and young people.
Under the draft, the production and sale of naswar would require a mandatory license, while sales to minors would be restricted. It also proposes limits on retail outlets operating near educational institutions and public places.
The bill says manufacturing or selling naswar without a license would be punishable by a fine of up to Rs. 30,000. It also requires naswar to be sold in sealed packaging.
The proposed law further seeks to ban the sale of naswar within 100 meters of schools, madressahs, and hospitals. Violations involving sales to minors could lead to a fine of Rs. 50,000 and up to one year in prison.
It also proposes a ban on selling naswar through online platforms, social media, and delivery services, while also prohibiting advertising, promotion, and free sample distribution.
In addition, the draft includes an on-the-spot fine of Rs. 1,000 for spitting naswar in public places. Deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and health officials would be given powers to inspect premises and seal shops found violating the law.
The proposal has received support from public health and civil society groups. The National Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco and Nicotine Control Pakistan welcomed the bill and praised Aamna Sardar for tabling it.
Speaking about the draft, the MPA said tobacco may be legal, but it must be sold responsibly and under proper regulation. She said the bill was meant to discourage harmful use, especially among younger people, while ensuring the market operates in a clear and accountable way.
Public health experts and child rights activists have also backed the move, calling it a timely step to reduce children’s exposure to smokeless tobacco and introduce long-overdue safeguards.
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