A new bill proposing strict regulation of naswar has been tabled in the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly by PML-N lawmaker Aamna Sardar.
The Regulation of Snuff (Naswar) Bill, 2026, focuses on public health protections and child safety across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The proposed law does not seek an outright ban but introduces comprehensive licensing requirements for producers and sellers. Businesses involved in naswar production and sales will require mandatory government-issued licences to operate legally.
Under the bill, sales of naswar to minors would be strictly prohibited, targeting one of its key public health concerns. Retail outlets situated near schools and public spaces would also face restrictions under the proposed legislation. Informal and unregulated naswar sales channels would be subject to direct enforcement action if the bill passes.
The draft law further calls for standardised packaging, mandatory health warnings, and regulation of all product ingredients. All promotion of naswar would be completely banned under the terms outlined in the proposed legislation. Enforcement mechanisms targeting the entire supply chain are also included to ensure consistent compliance.
Aamna Sardar said the legislation aims to curb harmful use of the product, particularly among young people in the province. She added the bill would ensure the market operates within a transparent and fully accountable regulatory framework. Public health advocates and civil society groups have since welcomed the tabling of this proposed legislation.
Usman Afridi, coordinator of a tobacco control alliance, called the bill a balanced measure that reflects local realities. He said the legislation is not about prohibition but about establishing a proper regulatory system for the product. Civil society activist Qamar Naseem noted smokeless tobacco has remained under-regulated in the province for many years.
Child rights expert Imran Takkar said easy access to naswar has exposed many children to serious and lasting health risks. He described the proposed law as a timely intervention that could meaningfully limit children’s access to the product. Takkar added the bill could reduce exposure to naswar without causing unnecessary disruption to existing trade.
Naswar use remains widespread across both urban and rural areas throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. If approved, the legislation could establish a formal oversight framework for all smokeless tobacco products in the region. The bill represents one of the first serious legislative efforts to regulate naswar in the province.
