KP Assembly Secretariat Raises Objections to Naswar Regulation Bill 2026

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

The private member’s bill was introduced by Aamna Sardar of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and aims to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of naswar across the province.

Officials said the Secretariat has questioned which government department would serve as the implementing authority for the proposed law. Progress on the bill will remain on hold until the relevant department is identified, after which it will be forwarded to the law department for further review.

The draft legislation seeks to bring the largely unregulated naswar industry under a formal legal framework, with a focus on public health and safeguarding children and youth.

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Under the proposal, production and sale of naswar would require a mandatory license, while selling to minors would be restricted. It also calls for limits on retail outlets operating near educational institutions and public places.

The bill proposes a fine of up to Rs30,000 for manufacturing or selling naswar without a license and requires the product to be sold in sealed packaging.

Additionally, it seeks to ban the sale of naswar within 100 meters of schools, madressahs, and hospitals. Violations involving sales to minors could result in fines of up to Rs50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.

The draft law also includes a ban on online sales, social media marketing, delivery services, and all forms of advertising, promotion, and free sample distribution of naswar.