The Lahore High Court’s Multan bench on Thursday removed the ban on the manufacturing, sale, and purchase of Naswar, declaring it legal once again.
Justice Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi announced the verdict while hearing a case filed against the Punjab Food Authority (PFA). The case had been pending for seven years under Writ Petition No. 4177/18.
The PFA had originally imposed the ban after declaring Naswar harmful to health, but the court had issued a stay order on the notification at the time.
Petitioner Zeeshan Khan Khattak had challenged the ban through his counsel, Zulfiqar Ali Sidhu. During the latest hearing, the Punjab Food Authority expressed its readiness to withdraw the notification, paving the way for the final decision.
Following the court’s ruling, the production, trade, and purchase of Naswar has been restored and will now continue without restriction.