KP govt introduces law to give lawmakers lifetime official passports, other privileges

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has brought in a new law significantly expanding the powers, privileges and immunities of provincial assembly members, including granting lifetime official passports to lawmakers and their spouses.

According to media reports, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026 replaces the 1988 legislation governing lawmakers' privileges while introducing a range of additional benefits and protections.

Under the legislation, MPAs can convene official meetings in their constituencies, with government officers required to attend after being duly notified. Failure to attend without sufficient cause will constitute a breach of privilege.

The law also grants lawmakers blanket immunity from preventive detention, replacing earlier provisions that limited such protection to periods surrounding assembly sessions and committee meetings.

Authorities will now be required to obtain the speaker's prior permission before arresting an MPA on criminal charges or under an executive order. The speaker may also seek police reports or order an inquiry before a challan is submitted to a court.

The legislation entitles MPAs to Category-B security during their tenure, with the possibility of upgrading to Category-A security where a credible threat exists. Security personnel assigned to lawmakers may accompany them throughout Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the additional privileges, lawmakers will be eligible for licences for eight non-prohibited-bore weapons, comprising four free lifetime licences and four issued upon payment of a prescribed fee.

The law also grants MPAs and their spouses official passports, subject to applicable federal laws, while spouses will receive assembly identity cards recognised by law enforcement agencies.

Other new benefits include access to VIP lounges at airports nationwide, club memberships on terms applicable to government officers, and the use of personally owned vehicles fitted with tinted windows.