ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Science and Technology has approved legislation aimed at banning the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 18 at educational institutions in the federal capital. Those found violating the proposed law could face fines of up to Rs100,000.
The committee, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, also approved the Pakistan General Cosmetics Bill after detailed discussions. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a regulatory authority to monitor the manufacturing, import and sale of cosmetic products, including fairness creams.
Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj highlighted concerns over the use of substandard cosmetic products in Pakistan. He said poor-quality fairness creams were among the major causes linked to cancer and warned that mercury had also been used in some cosmetic products.
Harraj said Pakistan currently lacks effective regulation and proper standards for the cosmetics industry. According to him, the absence of legislation has also limited the country’s ability to export locally manufactured cosmetics.
The minister said the cosmetics sector had significant economic potential and that proper legislation could help develop it into a regulated and organized industry. He added that Chichawatni had emerged as a major hub for cosmetics manufacturing, with local manufacturers earning billions of rupees from the business.
He further noted that large quantities of cosmetics are also brought into Pakistan from abroad and sold through major retail outlets. Under the proposed legislation, imported cosmetic products would be required to enter the country after the payment of applicable duties and compliance with regulatory requirements.
