Key legislative reforms in health, narcotics and minority rights reviewed

PESHAWAR: A meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet committee on legislation on Wednesday reviewed amendments to several legislative drafts including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances (Amendment) Act 2025, Hindu Marriage Bill, Healthcare etc.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Law Minister Aftab Alam, said a handout.Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan, Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman, Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel, Law Secretary Akhtar Saeed Turk, Excise Secretary Khalid Ilyas, officials from the Health, Law, Finance departments, Board of Revenue and other relevant departments attended the meeting.

The meeting thoroughly reviewed amendments to several legislative drafts including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances (Amendment) Act 2025, Hindu Marriage Bill, Healthcare Commission (Amendment) Bill 2025, Drugs Act 1976 (Amendment), and Prohibition of Smoking Tobacco Products and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Act.

The Excise Department provided a detailed briefing on proposed amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act 2019, with the primary aim of harmonising provincial laws with federal legislation, other provincial acts, and international standards.

Among the key recommendations was to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment for possession of large quantities of heroin, cocaine, ice, and other narcotics, emphasising human rights and global compliance.

A sub-committee led by additional secretary Excise with representatives from the Advocate General, Law, Prosecution, and DG Excise, was tasked to finalise recommendations, comparing penalties, bail mechanisms, and social/Islamic impacts, in consultation with stakeholders.

The Law minister stressed that while the anti-narcotics policy must remain robust, all punishments should meet international human rights standards.The committee also deliberated on the draft Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hindu Marriage Bill, designed to provide the Hindu community with legal protection regarding marriage, divorce, and matrimonial rights.

The bill establishes the formal registration of Hindu marriages, ensuring accuracy in civil records and facilitating inheritance and other rights, thereby aligning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the legislation in other provinces and enhancing minority rights and social cohesion.

A comprehensive review of the Healthcare Commission (Amendment) Bill was undertaken. Participants were briefed on key changes related to the grievance redressal process, licensing systems for healthcare institutions, improved oversight, and greater transparency in service delivery.The Law minister instructed that amendments must prioritise public interest, accountability, transparency and institutional strength.