A bill aimed at regulating the production, sale, and distribution of naswar has been introduced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
The Regulation of Snuff (Naswar) Bill, 2026, was tabled by PML-N lawmaker Aamna Sardar. The proposed legislation does not seek to ban naswar but aims to regulate its sale and manufacturing, with a strong focus on public health and child protection.
If passed, the bill will introduce mandatory licensing for businesses involved in the production and sale of naswar. It also proposes a ban on sales to minors, restrictions on retail outlets near schools and public spaces, and action against informal and unregulated sales channels.
The draft law further calls for standardized packaging, health warnings, regulation of ingredients, and a complete ban on the promotion of naswar. It also includes enforcement measures to ensure compliance across the supply chain.
Speaking on the bill, Aamna Sardar said tobacco may be a legal product, but it must be sold responsibly and under strict oversight. She said the legislation is meant to curb harmful use, especially among younger people, while ensuring the market functions within a transparent and accountable framework.
Public health and civil society representatives have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue attempt to address a major regulatory gap in the province.
Usman Afridi, coordinator of a tobacco control alliance, described the bill as a balanced step that takes local realities into account while prioritizing public health. He said the legislation is not about prohibition but about putting a proper system in place.
Civil society activist Qamar Naseem said smokeless tobacco has remained under-regulated for years, and the bill could help introduce accountability and safeguards, particularly for young users.
Child rights expert Imran Takkar also backed the move, saying easy access to naswar has exposed children to serious health risks. He said the proposed law is a timely intervention that could help limit access and reduce exposure without causing unnecessary disruption.
The bill is being seen as one of the first serious efforts to formally regulate naswar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where its use remains common across urban and rural areas alike.
If approved, the legislation could set the stage for tighter oversight of smokeless tobacco products in the province and strengthen efforts to protect minors from early exposure.
📢 For the latest General & Pakistan news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
