PA passes bill against sale, use, manufacture of gutka, mainpuri in Sindh.

KARACHI -- The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday passed the Sindh Prohibition of Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka and Manpuri Bill, 2019, banning the import, export, manufacturing, sale and purchase of gutka, mainpuri and their derivatives in the province.

The bill was presented by Pir Mujeebul Haq, who presides over the standing committee on law and parliamentary affairs and human rights of the provincial legislature.

The standing committee was given the task to finalise the draft bill before it was formally moved for approval of the house.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill referred to the medical reports vis-a-vis health hazards associated with the use of gutka, mainpuri and other such concoctions.

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It said such stuff was dangerous and major cause of cancer and cardiac illnesses.

'The tobacco consumption is one of the biggest challenges confronting the people today. Of 90 per cent tobacco-related oral cancer cases, 82pc pertain to mouth and throat and the survival ratio among cancer patients, who live for five years is 51pc, while 48pc live for 10 years after they are diagnosed,' the bill stated.

Punishments

According to the new law, no person should produce, prepare or manufacture any mixture or substance, which, apart from gutka and mainpuri, included pan parag or such other mixtures, which were prepared or obtained by any series of operations from the ingredients. These ingredients include any of the forms of chhalia (betel nut), catechu, tobacco, lime and other materials, which are 'injurious to health and not fit for human consumption within the meaning of Section 5 of the Sindh Pure Food Ordinance, 1960 and is also in contravention to the provisions of Rule 11 of the Sindh Pure Food Rules, 1965.'

The bill bars anyone possessing, offering for sale, distributing or delivering any such substances.

The bill also prohibits owning, operating or controlling premises or machinery for the manufacture of mainpuri, gutka and their derivatives.

There are punishments given in the new bill for contravention of the above provisions.

'Whoever contravenes these provisions ... shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than one year and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than two hundred thousand rupees.'

Those who contravened the law by...