KP Government Announces Review of Lawmakers’ Privileges Bill Following Public Criticism
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a review of the proposed Parliamentarians’ Privileges Bill after widespread criticism from the public and media, with Chief Minister Suhail Afridi directing authorities to prioritize public opinion.
Addressing a provincial cabinet meeting, the chief minister said the draft bill had been amended after being sent to the provincial assembly, and those changes had sparked continuous criticism over the past few days. He instructed officials to thoroughly review all provisions that had drawn objections from the public and the journalist community.
Afridi said he had asked the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly to consult all parliamentary leaders and reconsider the controversial amendments in light of public and media concerns. He expressed hope that the disputed provisions would be revised.
The chief minister said PTI founder Imran Khan had always supported freedom of expression and encouraged journalists to openly criticize the government whenever necessary. He added that despite frequent criticism of his administration, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had never taken unlawful action against journalists, stating that any legal action over alleged false propaganda was pursued only through the courts.
Afridi also criticized the treatment of journalists in other provinces, alleging that dissenting media personnel there faced enforced disappearances, harassment, and violence. He claimed that such practices did not exist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and described the provincial assembly as the country’s only “genuinely elected” legislature.
He emphasized that the provincial government would continue to place public interest and public opinion at the center of its decision-making process and said future government policies would be guided by the will of the people.
