KP Naswar Regulation Bill faces hurdle over authority issue

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat has raised objections to the proposed Regulation of Naswar (Naswar) Bill 2026, which has slowed down its initial review process.

The private member’s bill was introduced by PML-N lawmaker Amna Sardar and sought to regulate the production, sale and distribution of naswar across the province.

According to officials, the secretariat has questioned which government department will act as the relevant authority to implement the proposed law. They said that 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 regular legal framework, while focusing on public health and the protection of children and youth.

The draft would require a mandatory license for the manufacture and sale of naswar, while sales to minors would be banned. It also proposes limits on retail outlets operating near educational institutions and public places.

The bill states that there will be a fine of up to Rs 5,000 for manufacturing or selling snuff without a license. 30,000 It also requires the snuff to be sold in sealed packaging.

The proposed law further states that the sale of snuff should be banned within 100 meters of schools, madrasas and hospitals. Violators who sell to minors can be fined Rs. 50,000 and imprisoned for up to a year.

It also proposes a ban on the sale of snuff through online platforms, social media and delivery services, while advertising, promotion and distribution of free samples are also banned.

In addition, the draft also includes an on-the-spot fine of Rs 1,000. 1,000 for spitting snuff in public places. Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Health Department officers will be given powers to inspect premises and seal shops 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 Amina Sardar for introducing it.

Speaking about the draft, the MPA said that tobacco may be legal, but it must be sold responsibly and under proper regulation. He said the bill was aimed at discouraging harmful use, especially among the youth, by ensuring that the market functions in a transparent and accountable manner.

Public health experts and child rights activists have also supported the move, calling it a timely step to reduce smokeless tobacco use among children and introduce long-overdue protections.