K-P to amend 3, 16 MPOs and Section 144 to prevent political misuse of laws

Chief Minister Afridi emphasises that freedom of expression, peaceful protest are fundamental rights of every citizen

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to amend the 3 MPO, 16 MPO, and Section 144 to prevent their misuse for political pressure or retaliatory actions.

A four-member committee, headed by Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, has been formed to propose reforms to the existing laws. The decision was made during a high-level meeting held on Saturday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

The participants held detailed deliberations on the misuse of preventive laws and agreed to ensure that such powers are not used for political victimisation. Chief Minister Afridi emphasised that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are the fundamental rights of every citizen. However, he said, a new framework would be devised to balance the right to protest keeping in view the public convenience to minimise disruption during demonstrations.

He added that every law has both positive and negative aspects, and in line with PTI founder Imran Khan’s vision, the government would further improve the legislation. “Any provisions that could enable political victimisation will be removed, as the sole purpose of law should be public welfare,” the chief minister said.

Afridi reaffirmed that protecting citizens’ lives and property and ensuring their comfort remain the government’s top priorities.

The meeting was attended by Law Minister Aftab Alam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Abid Majeed, and Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel.