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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has referred the controversial legislation expanding lawmakers' powers and privileges to the house's standing committee for review, according to reports from Dawn.

The move follows weeks of criticism from the media and the public over the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, which was passed by the provincial assembly in April. The law grants blue passports to members and their spouses, arms licenses, blanket immunity from preventive detention, and requires the speaker's permission before arresting members on criminal charges.

Coverage Comparison

Dawn's reporting covers two parallel developments: the provincial government's decision to review the legislation, and criticism from federal officials who accuse the PTI-led provincial government of promoting a "VIP culture."

On the review front, the outlet reports that KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi ordered a review of the legislation last week, following harsh criticism from the media and the general public. KP Information Minister Shafi Jan announced that the government would withdraw the controversial clauses and restore them in accordance with the 1988 Act.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Jan said the committee would re-examine the controversial clauses. He noted that the act had remained under discussion over the past several days, with concerns raised by the journalist community, the general public, and PTI workers regarding certain provisions. Taking these concerns into consideration, CM Afridi had convened a meeting of the provincial cabinet.

"Following consultations with the speaker of the provincial assembly, it was decided that the controversial clauses should be withdrawn for reconsideration," Jan said.

He added that a meeting was held under the chairmanship of the assembly speaker, attended by parliamentary leaders of all political parties as well as the leader of the opposition. After hearing the views of all participants, the speaker directed that the disputed provisions be referred back to the Standing Committee on Privileges.

Meanwhile, federal officials have voiced strong opposition to the legislation. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry criticised the laws, taunting the PTI over its former pledges to end "VIP culture." He noted that the party had claimed that under its leadership, assembly members would live as common people.

"Do common people receive the conveniences of free travel, free arms licences, free stays at rest houses, blackout windows [and] special number plates on their cars, security for their whole families, and blue passports?" Chaudhry asked. He added that the federal government was not obligated to implement any legislation designed for "political bribery," but said the legislation was "enough to show their true face and political reality: that those who came to end VIP culture have, with this legislation, created a new example of it."

The Prime Minister's Coordinator for KP Affairs, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, also demanded the reversal of the laws. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Khan said, "No law of this country applies to them. They can fire at anyone or hit anyone, but they are not answerable to anyone."

Key Claims

  • The KP Provincial Assembly passed the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, according to Dawn.
  • The law grants blue passports to members and their spouses, as reported by Dawn.
  • The law provides arms licenses and blanket immunity from preventive detention, according to Dawn.
  • The speaker's permission is necessary before arresting members on criminal charges, as reported by Dawn.
  • KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi ordered a review of the legislation, according to Dawn.
  • KP Information Minister Shafi Jan announced the withdrawal of controversial clauses, as reported by Dawn.
  • Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry criticized the laws enacted by KP, according to Dawn.
  • Prime Minister's Coordinator for KP Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan demanded the reversal of the laws, as reported by Dawn.
  • Section 10 of the legislation grants blanket immunity from preventive detention, according to Dawn.
  • Section 11 requires the speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal offence, as reported by Dawn.
  • The laws permit lifetime official passports for assembly members and their spouses, according to Dawn.

Perspectives

Provincial Government

The KP government, through Information Minister Shafi Jan, maintains that the controversial clauses will be withdrawn and reconsidered by the standing committee, with the aim of restoring them in accordance with the 1988 Act. The decision was made after consultations with the speaker and parliamentary leaders.

Federal Officials

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Prime Minister's Coordinator for KP Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan have both criticised the legislation, accusing the PTI of perpetuating "VIP culture" and arguing that the laws grant excessive privileges and immunities to assembly members, contrary to the party's stated principles.