K-P lawmakers set to forgo perks

Joint meeting expected to repeal controversial amendment after public outcry

PESHAWAR:

A joint meeting of government and opposition lawmakers of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be held today (Monday) to formally withdraw the controversial amendments made to the law governing the powers, privileges and perks of provincial legislators.
Opposition parties have already expressed their agreement to roll back the amendments, sources said.
The K-P Assembly had recently passed amendments to the relevant law, granting members of the provincial assembly blue passports, arms licences, exemption from all toll taxes, free accommodation in government rest houses, special security cover, powers of Justice of the Peace, and several other facilities.
The move drew sharp criticism from social media users, civil society organisations and political circles as soon as the details of the bill became public.
Taking note of the strong public reaction, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi directed the withdrawal of the contentious clauses. In response, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati convened the joint session of government and opposition members in the provincial assembly today.
Sources said cabinet members, the opposition leader and parliamentary leaders from both sides are expected to attend the meeting. Opposition parties have completed internal consultations and decided to back the government’s position on withdrawing the amendments.
The opposition has also prepared some proposals, which will be presented during the meeting, sources added.
When contacted for comments, PPP leader Ahmad Kundi said that they will attend the meeting.
The development comes as a significant climb-down by the provincial government and lawmakers in the face of widespread public outrage over the proposed enhancement of privileges.