KP CM orders review of controversial law granting extended privileges to lawmakers

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has ordered a review of a controversial law that grants extended privileges and immunities to provincial lawmakers. The decision comes after significant media outcry and public criticism of the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026.

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I hope that the amendments made to the Act will be reviewed. Any future steps will be taken in the public interest.

The law, approved by the provincial cabinet and signed by the governor on May 6, expands the powers and immunities of members of the provincial assembly. Key provisions include lifetime official passports for lawmakers and their spouses, blanket immunity from preventive detention, and entitlement to licenses for up to eight non-prohibited-bore weapons. The law repeals a similar act passed in 1988.

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In other provinces, journalists criticising the government are subjected to disappearances, violence and harassment.

"I hope that the amendments made to the Act will be reviewed. Any future steps will be taken in the public interest," the chief minister stated in a press release from his office. While chairing a cabinet meeting, Afridi acknowledged the criticism, particularly concerning provisions related to media persons, and called for reconsideration. He also defended his government against what he termed "misleading propaganda" by some media outlets, contrasting the KP government's actions with alleged "disappearances, violence and harassment" of journalists in other provinces.

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The speaker has been asked to meet parliamentary leaders and review the concerns of the general public and media persons.

Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches have defended the law, arguing that its clauses are similar to those in the 1988 act. Information Minister Shafi Jan claimed the approved draft did not include provisions for blue passports and that the amendment was introduced by the opposition. He also asserted that the privileges granted in KP were fewer compared to those in Sindh and Punjab assemblies. The speaker has been asked to convene a meeting with parliamentary leaders to address public and media concerns.

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The privileges approved by the KP Assembly for lawmakers were fewer compared to those approved by the Sindh and Punjab assemblies.