KP Chief Minister Orders Review of Parliamentarians' Privileges Bill
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has directed a review of the Parliamentarians' Privileges Bill after sustained media criticism over the past two to three days. Addressing a provincial cabinet meeting, Afridi said the draft, approved by the cabinet, was sent to the Provincial Assembly where certain amendments were made that drew objections from the public and the journalist community.
The Chief Minister stated that he met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and instructed him to convene a meeting of all parliamentary leaders to review the controversial provisions and consider necessary revisions. Afridi emphasized that public opinion and interest remain paramount, noting that the KP Assembly is the only provincial legislature in Pakistan established through a genuine public mandate.
Government’s Stance on Media Criticism and Legal Action
Afridi acknowledged that he and his government are regularly criticized by journalists and face misleading propaganda on social media. However, he stressed that the KP government has never taken unlawful action against anyone. He said that even when false propaganda is spread, the government pursues legal action only through the courts. He contrasted this with other provinces where incidents of enforced disappearances, violence, and harassment of critical journalists are reported.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the amendments to the Parliamentarians' Privileges Bill would be reviewed and that future decisions would align with public interest and the will of the people.
Cabinet Approves KP Health Policy 2026 and Other Decisions
Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan briefed the media on key cabinet decisions. The cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, which envisions a healthier province where every citizen has equitable access to quality healthcare. The policy aims to build a resilient, people-centered health system through strong leadership, quality service delivery, sustainable financing, innovation, digital transformation, a skilled health workforce, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic partnerships.
Key priorities include establishing ICU, CCU, trauma, and burn centers; expanding palliative care and telemedicine; outsourcing poorly performing health facilities; strengthening Sehat Card Plus; including geriatric medicine; and reforming Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs). The policy also emphasizes protecting families from catastrophic health expenditures, reducing out-of-pocket costs, mobilizing domestic resources, and generating additional health financing through taxation.
Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2026 Approved
The cabinet also approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Occupational Safety and Health Rules, 2026. These rules require employers to develop and implement workplace safety policies, ensure safe working environments, and adopt structured systems for identifying, assessing, and controlling occupational hazards. The framework introduces a hierarchy of control measures, including engineering controls and mandatory provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Establishments with 50 or more workers must appoint Safety and Health Representatives, and those with 100 or more workers must appoint qualified Safety and Health Officers.
Other Cabinet Decisions: PRM Regime and Wildlife Conservation
The cabinet approved amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and the Provincial Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969, to revise and rationalize the Personalized Registration Mark (PRM) regime. Additionally, the cabinet allowed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Crane Foundation to strengthen crane conservation and their habitats. The partnership is expected to enhance scientific research, promote evidence-based wildlife management, improve community livelihoods through conservation and eco-tourism, strengthen enforcement against wildlife crime, and reinforce KP’s position as a leader in biodiversity conservation.
