KP Assembly secretariat raises objections to naswar regulation bill 2026

The Secretariat of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has raised objections to the proposed Regulation of Snuff (Naswar) Bill, 2026, delaying its initial review process.

The private member bill was submitted by Aamna Sardar of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, aiming to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of naswar across the province. However, the Assembly Secretariat questioned which government department should be designated as the relevant authority to implement and oversee the proposed law.

Officials stated that further progress on the bill will remain on hold until the concerned department is clearly identified. After this clarification, the Law Department will conduct a detailed review of the legislation.

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The proposed bill seeks to introduce a structured regulatory framework for the naswar industry, focusing on public health concerns, especially among children and young people. It includes mandatory licensing for producers and sellers, restrictions on sales to minors, and limitations on retail outlets near schools, madrasas, and hospitals.

According to the draft, selling naswar without a valid license would be a punishable offense, carrying a fine of up to Rs30,000. It also requires naswar to be sold only in sealed packaging. Sales within 100 meters of educational institutions and healthcare facilities would be prohibited.

The bill further proposes strict penalties for selling naswar to minors, including fines of up to Rs50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. It also bans online sales, social media promotion, advertising, and free sampling of naswar products.

Additionally, a fine of Rs1,000 is suggested for spitting naswar in public places, while district administration and health officials would be empowered to conduct inspections and seal violating shops.

Public health experts and civil society representatives have welcomed the initiative, calling it a balanced and forward-looking step to regulate a widely used smokeless tobacco product in the province.