Peshawar (Lord Media): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly members have been granted new privileges following the approval of recent legislation. According to the gazette notification issued post-legislation, assembly members and their spouses will be entitled to blue passports, while the provision of official passports will be subject to federal law.
Under the new law, assembly members will be exempt from paying taxes at toll plazas nationwide. During assembly sessions, members will also be exempt from court appearances; however, courts may reschedule hearings if necessary.
Assembly members will be entitled to Category ‘B’ security, which can be upgraded to Category ‘A’ in case of threats. This security will be effective across Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The law allows assembly members to convene public meetings in their constituencies, with mandatory attendance by relevant government officials. Unjustified absence will be considered a breach of privilege.
Prior to the arrest of assembly members, the Speaker’s permission will be required. The Speaker can request police reports or challans and has the authority to conduct inquiries before the presentation of challans.
