KP government’s U-turn: decision to end controversial special privileges of members of the assembly

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to withdraw all controversial provisions of the recent law related to the privileges of assembly members after strong concerns were raised by the public, journalistic organisations and various quarters. The government says that amendments will be made in the law that are in line with the past legal framework and public expectations.

Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan said in a video message that the cabinet reviewed the matter in detail on the instructions of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati also participated in the meeting through a video link, where it was unanimously decided to withdraw all the controversial provisions included in the law and redraft them in accordance with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (Powers, Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1988.

In April this year, the provincial assembly had passed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (Powers, Privileges and Immunities) Act, 2026, which included blue passports, arms licences, permission of the Speaker before arrest in certain cases and other special privileges for members of the assembly and their spouses. After the law was passed, it faced criticism from the media, civil society and public circles, after which the chief minister issued instructions to review it.

According to Shafi Jan, a meeting of parliamentary leaders will be called on Monday, in which detailed consultations will be held on the proposed amendments. He said that the current assembly came into existence through the people’s vote, and the government will not take any decision that goes against the public’s aspirations and transparent governance. He said that all the concerns raised by the journalist community and citizens will be seriously heard and addressed.

On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed his position on the issue and demanded National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani convene a joint meeting of the speakers of the four provincial assemblies so that a uniform legal framework can be developed for the salaries, benefits and other facilities of the assembly members across the country.

The governor said that when the people are being exhorted to be frugal and face economic difficulties, it is not appropriate to give extraordinary benefits in any one province. According to him, there should be a single standard in the entire country regarding government salaries, security, government passports, allowances and other benefits so that transparency, equality and public trust are promoted.

Faisal Karim Kundi also reminded that although he had approved the law under constitutional requirements, he had also recommended that during its implementation, the federal government’s austerity policy, reduction in unnecessary expenditure and prudent use of public resources should be ensured. According to him, government resources are the trust of the people and should be used for the public interest instead of for additional privileges of government officials.

Political observers say that the decision to withdraw the controversial provisions by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been taken keeping in mind the public reaction. According to them, the consultation to be held in the coming days will determine to what extent the amended law proves to be transparent, balanced and acceptable to all concerned parties.