PESHAWAR — In response to legislative support for a contentious law that expands the powers and privileges of members, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Wednesday that he will review the legislation amid widespread media criticism.
The KP government had approved the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, which was passed on April 30 and signed by the governor on May 6, according to recent reports.
The legislation grants members of the provincial assembly broad powers, including lifetime official passports for themselves and their spouses, immunity from preventive detention, and permits to own up to eight weapons that are not prohibited.
The law has attracted strong criticism from journalists and members of the public throughout Pakistan.
‘I hope the amendments will be reconsidered and that any future actions will serve the public interest,’ the chief minister said in a statement from his office.
During a cabinet meeting, Afridi noted that, amid criticism of the amendments, provisions affecting media personnel should be re-examined.
Afridi asserted that PTI founder Imran Khan championed freedom of expression and encouraged journalists to critique the government, but he also emphasized that his administration has faced criticism and alleged that certain outlets are spreading misleading propaganda.
He pointed out that journalists in other provinces often face disappearances, violence, and harassment, whereas the KP government has not pursued illegal actions and only initiates legal proceedings when false statements are made.
He added that the speaker has been instructed to convene with parliamentary leaders and address the concerns of both the public and media professionals.
Afridi also claimed that the KP Assembly is the only provincial legislature formed directly by public mandate.
During a joint press conference, legislators from both governing and opposition parties highlighted that the new act mirrors an earlier 1988 law, which also allowed the issuance of blue passports to provincial assembly members.
The new act repeals the 1988 statute on the same issue.
Information Minister Shafi Jan asserted that the cabinet‑approved draft did not contain provisions for issuing blue passports to legislators and that the amendment was proposed by opposition parties.
He further noted that the privileges granted to KP legislators are fewer than those granted to members of the Sindh and Punjab assemblies.
‘Approximately 57,000 blue passports have been issued by the federal government,’ he said, urging the federal authorities to disclose the holders’ identities.
He also stated that legislators are entitled to four arms licenses, with an additional four approved due to the province’s security conditions.
‘The provincial government will convene a meeting with journalist organizations,’ he said, while noting that press regulations in Sindh and Punjab are perceived as stricter than those in KP.
Afridi said the KP government welcomes criticism and encourages discussions about the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
PPP lawmaker Ahmad Karim Kundi noted that penalties for spreading misinformation were included in the 1988 law, but he added that no prosecutions have occurred since then and that sanctions could be reduced.
Awami National Party member Arbab Usman argued that a province making greater sacrifices should receive additional benefits.
‘Unfortunately, some journalists have misused their privileges; a blue passport is not significant, and if other provinces have them, why shouldn’t we?’ he asked, questioning the relevance to citizens.
PTI‑Parliamentarians’ Arbab Waseem emphasized that legislators are public representatives accountable to citizens and that members of other provincial assemblies also receive similar facilities.
PML‑N’s Sobia Shahid, a committee member and signatory of the act, noted that legislation from other provinces was discussed and that certain clauses were incorporated into the KP Act.
