PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly brings controversial bill that would expand the powers, legal protections and privileges of provincial lawmakers, proposing benefits such as lifetime official passports, firearm licences, enhanced immunity, security, toll tax exemptions and broader official authority.
The provincial assembly proposed Powers, Immunities and Privileges Act, 2026, a controversial piece of legislation that proposes an unprecedented expansion of privileges, legal protections and official powers for Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).
If passed, the bill would grant lawmakers and their spouses lifetime official (blue) passports, enhanced security, nationwide toll tax exemptions, access to VIP airport lounges, complimentary stays at government circuit houses, rest houses and dak bungalows, as well as a range of legal and administrative privileges.
Among most contentious provisions is a proposal barring the arrest or administrative detention of any MPA without the prior approval of the Speaker. The legislation would also empower the Speaker to seek reports from relevant authorities, review the circumstances of any action against a legislator and, where necessary, facilitate the temporary release of detained lawmakers to enable them to attend Assembly sessions or committee meetings.
The draft law further proposes mandatory Category B security for every lawmaker, with Category A security to be provided where higher threats exist. Legislators and their spouses would also receive official government passports and Assembly identity cards.
Another provision would allow each MPA to obtain up to eight non-prohibited bore firearm licences, four free of charge and four upon payment of the prescribed fee. In addition, lawmakers would be exempt from toll taxes across Pakistan.
The proposed legislation also seeks to significantly expand the official authority of provincial lawmakers. MPAs would be authorised to inspect government departments, prisons, hospitals, schools and development projects. They would also be vested with the powers of a Justice of the Peace, permitted to use special Assembly registration plates on their vehicles and allowed to drive vehicles fitted with tinted windows.
The bill also strengthen institutional authority of Assembly by granting its committees powers to summon any individual, demand official documents and records, and issue warrants against those who fail to appear or comply, directing authorities to produce them before the legislature.
Media coverage of Assembly proceedings would also face tighter restrictions under proposed law. Journalists and media organisations could face legal action for publishing reports deemed misleading, violating publication bans imposed by the Speaker, disclosing committee reports before their formal presentation or engaging in acts considered a breach of Assembly privilege.
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