Governor Kundi's objections to KP MPAs' powers and privileges law surface

Objections have emerged from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Powers, Immunities and Privileges Act 2026, which was passed by the provincial assembly in April, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

According to a written letter sent by the governor to the speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the provincial assembly's Finance Committee should strictly implement the prime minister's 14-point austerity programme.

The governor recommended immediate and significant reductions in official spending by members of the provincial assembly and government officers. He said the province urgently needed stronger financial discipline to ensure responsible use of public funds.

In the letter, Governor Kundi also urged that provincial legislation and official benefits should be aligned with the federal government's economic emergency framework to support national fiscal policy.

He further asked the Finance Committee to review the administrative and financial procedures contained in the legislation. The governor said the committee should reassess the law's implementation mechanism to ensure that the principles of financial discipline and prudent public spending are properly enforced.

KP Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act 2026

Three days ago, on July 7, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported that the new law on the powers, immunities and privileges of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has provided several new privileges, legal safeguards and special powers to the members of the provincial assembly.

New legislation of the provincial assembly

The powers and privileges of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly include provisions such as eight arms licences for provincial members, exemption from all toll taxes, lifetime official passports, powers of Justice of the Peace, special security, free stay in government rest houses and making arrest without the prior permission of the Speaker after a crime.

Special legal protection for members of the assembly

Under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Powers, Immunities and Privileges Act 2026, members of the assembly will be provided with special legal protection to ensure their participation in the meetings and committees of the assembly, while in certain circumstances, an arrested member can also be released to attend the meeting.

Matter of detention of a member of the assembly

According to the law, no member of the assembly can be detained in any way, while the permission of the Speaker will be required before the arrest or administrative detention of a member. Under the proposed law, the Speaker will also have the power to seek reports from the relevant authorities and conduct an investigation into the matter.

Provision of A, B grade security

According to the draft, each member of the assembly will be provided with at least B category security, while in case of threats, A category security can also be provided. It is also proposed to provide members of the assembly and their spouses with official passports, assembly identity cards and the facility of using VIP airport lounges across the country.

Authority for 8 arms licences

The draft law also provides for granting a total of eight non-prohibited bore arms licences to members of the assembly, with four free and four fee-based licences. In addition, it is proposed to grant members of the assembly exemption from toll tax at all toll plazas, free accommodation in circuit houses, rest houses and post bungalows and the authority to inspect government institutions, jails, hospitals, schools and development projects.

Justice of the Peace/Tinted Glasses Also Allowed

The draft also includes a provision to grant the powers of Justice of the Peace to the members of the assembly while allowing them to use special MLA number plates on their vehicles and have vehicles with tinted glasses.

Power to issue warrants

The draft law also gives the assembly and committees extensive powers. The assembly or committee will be able to summon any person, request documents and records, and in case of non-compliance, it will also have the power to issue warrants and produce the person before the assembly through the relevant authorities.

Actions against journalists

The draft also includes several important provisions related to the media. False or misleading reporting of assembly proceedings, publishing proceedings despite a ban on publication by the speaker, leaking committee reports before a hearing and certain other actions have been declared as breach of privilege. The speaker has also been given the power to restrict or cancel the entry of any journalist or media representative into the assembly.

Violation of Assembly Privileges Declared a Regular Crime

Under the said law, violation of Assembly privileges has been declared a regular crime, while it has been proposed to establish a judicial committee to hear such cases. The Speaker will have the right to appeal against the decisions of the committee and its decision will be considered final.

Reporter: Malik Rehman