KP Assembly Panel Seeks Measures To Protect Tobacco Growers’ Interests
PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026) A special committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Wednesday reviewed tobacco-related matters and directed its sub-committee to expedite work on legal and regulatory measures concerning the sector, with a specific focus on safeguarding tobacco growers’ interests.
The meeting, chaired by Abdul Karim Tordher at the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, constituted a committee under a Call Attention Notice. Members of the assembly, along with representatives from various departments and offices, including the Pakistan Tobacco Board, Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Agriculture, Law, Information, Advocate General’s Office, and Provincial Assembly Secretariat, attended. Former Pakistan Tobacco board member Ayaz Khan also participated via Zoom.
The committee reviewed progress on forming its sub-committee, its terms of reference, and initial work. The Pakistan Tobacco Board provided a briefing on laws, rules, regulations, and procedures related to preventing unauthorized and illegal tobacco purchases. Officials informed the meeting that the sub-committee had been established and its formal notification issued. Its responsibilities include reviewing the legal framework governing tobacco and examining provincial legislation, regulation, and policy measures in this sector.
The meeting was informed of a request to fix a date for the sub-committee’s first meeting, which would be scheduled at the earliest convenience.
Abdul Karim Tordher instructed the sub-committee to finalize its discussions promptly and clearly define the constitutional and legal scope of provincial tobacco-related measures. He also requested a clear timeline for submitting recommendations and implementing them.
He emphasized that tobacco is a significant agricultural crop in KP and a crucial source of income for many farmers. He directed that the legitimate interests of these farmers, fair purchase agreements, adequate compensation, and protection against exploitation be considered when formulating sectoral measures.
The chairman also ordered the Pakistan Tobacco Board’s Management Information System (MIS) to be made accessible on its website to facilitate and expedite genuine tobacco growers' registration. A proposal to include a representative from the Home Department in the sub-committee composition was also discussed.