Mohsin Naqvi’s reaction to the new procedure regarding the arrest of members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has emerged
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat has issued a notification making prior permission from the Speaker mandatory before the arrest of provincial assembly members (MPAs) in any criminal case or under an arrest warrant. Reacting strongly to the notification, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticised the provincial government’s move and said, “What kind of law is this for those who claim equality before the law?”
A new and controversial procedure regarding the arrest and detention of provincial assembly members (MPAs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged, under which police or a magistrate will now not be able to arrest assembly members without prior permission from the Speaker of the Assembly in the event of any offence or allegation.
A letter dated September 25, 2026, issued by the Deputy Secretary (Admin) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat to the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, states that under Section 11 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, the concerned magistrate or administrative officer will have to obtain prior permission from the Speaker before arresting any assembly member in connection with a criminal case or under a detention order.
This legal provision concerning the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has previously been debated among political and legal circles. On one hand, the argument is made that parliamentary privileges of assembly members and protection from political victimisation or unnecessary arrests should be ensured, while on the other hand, critics have raised questions regarding the equal enforcement of the law and police powers in criminal cases.
Mohsin Naqvi’s latest post has once again brought the debate into the national spotlight. However, the final legal interpretation of the provision and its practical application can only be determined by the relevant legal and judicial forums.
Also Read: Proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026
