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’s bill, introduced by Pakistan Muslim League-N lawmaker Aamna Sardar, seeks to regulate the production, sale and distribution of naswar across the province.
Officials said the assembly secretariat had questioned which department would serve as the relevant authority to oversee implementation of the proposed law. They added that further progress on the bill would remain on hold until the concerned department is identified, after which the law department would take up the draft for final review.
The proposed legislation aims to bring the largely unregulated naswar industry under a formal framework in the interest of public health, particularly to safeguard children and young people.
It proposes mandatory licensing for production and sale, restrictions on sales to minors, and limits on retail outlets near educational institutions and public places.
Under the draft, manufacturing or selling naswar without a licence would be a punishable offence, carrying a fine of up to Rs30,000. It also requires that naswar be sold in sealed packaging.
The bill further proposes a ban on the sale of naswar within 100 metres of schools, madressahs and hospitals. Violations involving sales to minors could result in a fine of Rs50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.The draft law also seeks to prohibit the sale of naswar through online platforms, social media and delivery services, while banning all forms of advertising, promotion and free sample distribution.
In addition, it suggests an on-the-spot fine of Rs1,000 for spitting naswar in public places. Deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and health officials would be authorised to conduct inspections and seal shops found in violation.
The move has been described as a significant policy step, as naswar — widely consumed in the province — has long remained outside a structured regulatory framework.
The National Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco and Nicotine Control Pakistan welcomed the initiative and commended MPA Aamna Sardar for introducing the bill.
Speaking about the legislation, MPA said tobacco, though a legal product, must be sold responsibly and under strict regulation.
“This bill aims to discourage harmful use, especially among the younger generation, while ensuring the market operates within a clear and accountable framework,” she said, adding that the primary objective was to protect public health without causing unnecessary disruption.
Usman Afridi, a coordinator of the alliance, termed the bill a “historic and balanced step,” noting that it did not seek to ban naswar but to regulate it in line with ground realities.
Civil society activist Qamar Naseem said smokeless tobacco had long remained under-regulated, and the proposed law would introduce accountability and safeguards, particularly for young people.
Child rights expert Imran Takkar said the easy availability of naswar had exposed children to serious health risks, adding that the bill was a timely intervention to restrict access and reduce exposure.
Public health experts have broadly welcomed the proposed legislation, describing it as a pragmatic initiative aimed at balancing regulation with social realities.
