PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly has approved an amendment bill related to the privileges, powers and entitlements of provincial lawmakers, including changes concerning blue passports, arms licences and penalties related to journalists.
The amendment bill was presented in the assembly by ruling party member Ikramullah Ghazi and was passed by a majority vote.
Under the approved amendments, the facility of lifetime blue passports for members of the provincial assembly has been abolished. According to the bill, blue passports will now remain valid only during the period of a member’s tenure, and the privilege will automatically end after the completion of their membership.
The bill also revises the provision regarding free arms licences for lawmakers. The number of free arms licences has been set at four, allowing members of the assembly to obtain up to four licences under the amended law.
The legislation also brings changes regarding provisions related to journalists. A controversial clause proposing increased fines and punishments for journalists has been withdrawn, with the revised version reducing the penalties.
The provincial assembly also approved amendments to other disputed provisions included in the First Schedule of the relevant law.
The passage of the bill comes as part of efforts to revise existing rules governing privileges and responsibilities associated with members of the provincial legislature.
