A key committee of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly held a significant meeting on Wednesday to examine a proposed law aimed at defining the powers and privileges of provincial lawmakers. The session sought to bring clarity and update regulations governing the conduct of assembly business.
Key Discussions on Legislative Privileges
The meeting of the K-P Assembly Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, Privileges, and Implementation of Government Assurances was chaired by MPA Suriya Bibi. Notable attendees included K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam, and MPAs Subiya Shahid and Abdus Salam. The Additional Advocate General Inam Khan and other officials were also present.
The committee conducted a detailed review of the K-P Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 1988, which had been forwarded to it by the house. Discussions focused on several critical areas to modernize the existing framework.
Proposals for Special Powers and Meeting Protocols
A major point of deliberation was the role and privileges of non-elected advisers, special assistants, and the advocate general during assembly proceedings. The committee thoroughly debated their participation rights.
One important proposal suggested granting special privileges to the speaker and deputy speaker over assembly staff in case of extraordinary situations or difficulties arising during proceedings. This aims to ensure smooth legislative operations.
Regarding the authority to chair meetings, boards, or assume chairpersonships, Law Minister Aftab Alam clarified that this is a matter of constitutional powers, not a government privilege, drawing a clear legal distinction.
Limits on Residency and Official Visits
The committee also addressed practical aspects of lawmakers' privileges. A proposal to limit the duration of an MPA's stay in an official residence to seven days was discussed, potentially introducing new rules for the use of state facilities.
Furthermore, the privileges associated with MPAs visiting hospitals, health centres, dispensaries, population planning centres, or other public offices were taken under consideration. The review aims to formalize protocols for such visits.
This comprehensive review signifies the K-P Assembly's effort to refine its internal governance, ensuring clarity, accountability, and the effective functioning of the provincial legislature.
