PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Friday presented four amendment bills, including major changes to the local government system, an expansion of tourism police, press registration reforms, and financial management adjustments.
Deputy Speaker Shariabi Bi chaired the sitting, which ended in uproar when opposition members staged a walkout after clashing with a treasury lawmaker. The deputy speaker adjourned the session until 22 August due to an incomplete quorum.
Provincial Minister for Local Government Arshad Ayub presented the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to redefine the powers and responsibilities of elected chairmen and nazims. The government argued the reforms would strengthen service delivery by local councils.
Law Minister Aftab Alam presented the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Amendment Bill 2025, which recommended an extension of the tourism police. He also introduced the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Press Newspapers Registration Amendment Bill 2025 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Financial Management Amendment Bill 2025. All bills remain pending approval.
During question hour, Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Ahmad Khan Kundi raised the issue of surplus and contractual employees in the Culture and Tourism Authority. He accused the government of creating unemployment instead of providing jobs. The deputy speaker referred the matter to a standing committee after Kundi rejected the minister’s reply.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam lawmaker Adnan Khan demanded equal salaries for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police compared with Punjab and Sindh. Ministers assured the house the demand would be reviewed.
Advisor on Housing Dr Amjad asked lawmakers to pray for flood victims. Members also demanded Hazara and Malakand divisions be declared calamity-hit to accelerate relief.
The session turned tense when Special Assistant on Population Welfare Liaqat Ali attacked the leadership of opposition parties. Opposition members objected, urging him to stick to law and order. When he accused them of drawing salaries without work, opposition lawmakers walked out.
With the quorum incomplete, the deputy speaker adjourned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session until 22 August.
