A new law on the powers, privileges and immunities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly grants provincial lawmakers a wide range of new privileges, legal protections and special powers.
Journalist Hammad Hassan said that the law, titled the Pakhtunkhwa Powers, Immunities & Privileges Act, provides such extensive benefits to MPAs that “it is shameful.”
Under the law, all provincial assembly members and their spouses will be issued lifetime official (blue) passports.
The new legislation includes provisions granting MPAs up to eight firearm licences, exemption from all toll taxes, lifetime official passports, powers of a Justice of the Peace, special security, free accommodation in government rest houses, and declares the arrest of a lawmaker without the Speaker’s prior approval an offence.
According to a private news channel, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Powers, Immunities and Privileges Act 2026 provides special legal protection to ensure lawmakers can attend Assembly sessions and committee meetings. In certain circumstances, a detained member may also be released to attend Assembly proceedings.
Under the law, no assembly member may be taken into custody without the Speaker’s permission. Prior approval from the Speaker will be mandatory before the arrest or administrative detention of any member. The proposed law also authorises the Speaker to seek reports from relevant authorities and order an inquiry into such matters.
The draft further states that every MPA will be provided at least B-category security, while A-category security may be granted in cases involving heightened threats. Assembly members and their spouses will also receive official passports, Assembly identity cards and access to VIP airport lounges across the country.
The proposed law also provides each MPA with four free and four paid licences for non-prohibited bore weapons, bringing the total to eight firearm licences. It further exempts lawmakers from paying toll taxes at all toll plazas and grants them free accommodation at circuit houses, rest houses and dak bungalows. They will also have the authority to inspect government departments, prisons, hospitals, schools and development projects.
The draft includes a provision granting MPAs the powers of a Justice of the Peace. It also allows them to use special Assembly number plates on their vehicles and to keep vehicles with tinted windows.
The legislation also grants broad powers to the Assembly and its committees. They will be authorised to summon any person, demand documents and official records, and issue warrants in cases of non-compliance. Relevant authorities may also be directed to produce individuals before the Assembly.
The new provisions give the Speaker the authority to prohibit the publication or broadcast of any Assembly proceedings.A journalist who violates such a ban could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs1 million.
If a journalist or media outlet publishes a distorted or misleading report of Assembly proceedings, legal action may be taken, with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs300,000.
A journalist who accuses the Speaker of bias or criticizes the Speaker’s conduct could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to Rs1 million.
Publishing or broadcasting the report of a standing committee before it is formally tabled in the Assembly could result in three months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs300,000.
Publishing or airing an adjournment motion before it is tabled in the Assembly could lead to one month’s imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs100,000.
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