PESHAWAR—The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly has issued a notification for a controversial new law. This legislative framework imposes strict penalties on journalists and media houses. These punishments include lengthy prison sentences and heavy financial fines. The law targets individuals who criticize the assembly leadership, misreport proceedings, or publish restricted house business.
The provincial legislature quietly passed the bill on April 30 through an additional agenda. However, the administration kept the document hidden from the public for several months. Officially named the Provincial Assembly Powers, Privileges, and Immunities Framework, this law grants massive punitive powers to the Speaker and the assembly’s judicial committee. Critics argue it severely damages press freedom in the province.
Strict Penalties for Media Reports
Under the provisions of the KP Assembly media restriction law, the Speaker holds absolute authority. The Speaker can ban any journalist or media outlet from covering assembly proceedings for a specific time. The law also empowers the Speaker to prohibit the broadcasting of specific house sessions. Anyone violating these bans faces up to six months of imprisonment and a fine of up to 1 million PKR.
The legislation prescribes even harsher punishments for what it deems as distorted reporting. Media personnel or organizations found guilty of misrepresenting assembly proceedings face up to three years in prison alongside a 300,000 PKR fine. Furthermore, the KP Assembly media restriction law penalizes any direct criticism of the Speaker. Leveling allegations of bias against the chair carries a six-month jail term and a 1 million PKR fine.
The tight regulatory web also restricts early reporting on legislative matters. Publishing a standing committee’s report before its formal presentation in the house carries a heavy penalty. This offense leads to three months in prison and a 300,000 PKR fine. Similarly, leaking an adjournment motion prior to its official tabling results in one month of jail time and a 100,000 PKR fine.
Increased Protections for Lawmakers
Beyond media regulations, the law introduces robust protections for provincial lawmakers. It penalizes assaulting, threatening, or blocking the path of an assembly member. Convictions lead to six months of imprisonment, a 1 million PKR fine, or both. The framework similarly penalizes insulting lawmakers or disrupting active sessions or committee meetings.
The judicial committee will handle breach-of-privilege cases based on recommendations from the standing committee on privileges. The assembly and its committees now possess the authority to summon individuals or records. They can issue arrest warrants for non-compliance and record statements under oath. Individuals convicted by the judicial committee can appeal to the Speaker within 30 days. The Speaker’s final decision will remain legally absolute.
