The KP government has introduced a new law that expands the powers, privileges, and legal protections of members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly. The legislation also grants several new benefits to lawmakers and, in some cases, their spouses.
The new law is titled the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026. It was approved by the provincial assembly on April 30 and later received the assent of Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on May 6. However, the legislation has not yet been uploaded to the official website of the provincial assembly.
Under the new law, KP lawmakers and their spouses will be eligible for official passports, subject to relevant federal rules and regulations. The legislation also allows members of the provincial assembly to use VIP lounges at airports across Pakistan.
In addition, spouses of assembly members will receive official assembly identity cards. These cards will be recognized by law enforcement agencies, giving them official identification linked to the provincial assembly.
The legislation also strengthens legal protections for lawmakers. It grants members immunity from preventive detention during their time in office. This replaces the previous law, which provided such protection only during specific periods before or after assembly sessions and committee meetings.
The new law also changes the procedure for the arrest of an elected member. Authorities will now need prior approval from the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly before arresting an MPA on criminal charges or detaining them under an executive order.
Security provisions have also been expanded under the new legislation. Every KP lawmaker will be entitled to Category B security while serving in office. If security agencies identify a credible threat, the member may be upgraded to Category A security.
The law further states that members who are assigned security personnel can retain those security arrangements throughout Pakistan. This protection will also extend to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during their tenure.
Another major change relates to weapon licences. The legislation increases the number of licences available to each MPA from four to eight. Four licences will be issued free of cost, while the remaining four can be obtained after payment of the prescribed fee.
The law also introduces additional privileges for elected representatives. Members will be eligible for club memberships under the same conditions that apply to government officers. They will also be allowed to use privately owned vehicles fitted with tinted windows, in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.
The Act also revises penalties for offences covered under its provisions. It increases both fines and prison terms for violations, although the law does not change the general criminal procedures applicable outside the Act.
The KP government says the legislation updates the legal framework governing provincial lawmakers and defines their powers, privileges, and protections more clearly. The law is expected to guide future administrative and legal procedures involving members of the provincial assembly.
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The newly enacted legislation introduces several institutional changes affecting elected representatives. Its implementation will determine how these new powers, immunities, and privileges are applied during the tenure of current and future members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly.
