K-P panel discusses MPA powers, privileges

Minister says govt taking measures to safeguard parliamentary traditions

PESHAWAR:

A standing committee of the provincial legislature of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Wednesday reviewed a proposed law that aims at bringing clarity with regard to powers and privileges of lawmakers.

According to an official handout, the K-P Assembly Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, Privileges, and Implementation of Government Assurances met under the chairmanship of MPA Suriya Bibi.

The meeting was attended by K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam and MPAs Subiya Shahid and Abdus Salam. Additional Advocate General Inam Khan and other relevant officials were also present.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the K-P Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 1988, which had been referred to the standing committee by the house.

The committee thoroughly deliberated on the participation of non-elected advisers, special assistants, and the advocate general in assembly proceedings, as well as their related privileges.

It was proposed that in the event of any extraordinary situation or difficulties during assembly proceedings, the speaker and deputy speaker should be granted special privileges for assembly staff.

Regarding the chairing of any meeting, board, or chairpersonship, the law minister clarified that this matter falls within the domain of constitutional powers rather than government privilege.

The meeting also discussed a proposal to limit the duration of the stay of MPAs in official residences to seven days. The privileges related to visits by MPAs to hospitals, health centres, dispensaries, population planning centres, or other public offices were also taken under consideration.