Assembly adopts rules overhaul

Governor, CM hail first reform in 37 years as milestone for democracy

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday attended a special ceremony at the provincial assembly, marking the formal endorsement of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Rules of Procedure 2025. The event, hosted on the invitation of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was also attended by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur and members of the house.

Addressing the assembly session, Governor Kundi congratulated both the speaker and the chief minister on what he termed "a landmark in parliamentary history." He said the adoption of the new rules was not just a procedural revision but also a reaffirmation of democratic values, institutional efficiency and provincial autonomy.

"The need of the hour is unity, to strengthen autonomy, set the province on the right course, and resolve challenges collectively," he remarked.

The governor traced the history of the assembly's procedures, recalling that the first rules were framed by the provincial governor in 1973. After nearly four decades, he said, the new framework had been updated in line with contemporary challenges and future needs.

Highlighting his constitutional role, Kundi reminded the house that assembly sessions are summoned and prorogued by the governor, and that legislation only becomes law once it receives gubernatorial assent. "This constitutional relationship reflects harmony, mutual respect and shared responsibility between the Governor's House and the legislature in strengthening democracy," he noted.

He further observed that strong and modern rules are considered the backbone of any legislature worldwide.