The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has passed a new law that significantly expands the privileges and legal protections available to members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), introducing a range of new benefits for lawmakers and their families.
Under the new legislation, MPAs and their spouses will now be eligible to receive official passports, while lawmakers will also gain access to VIP airport lounges, enhanced security arrangements, and additional weapon licences.
The law further strengthens the status of elected representatives by providing broader official powers within their respective constituencies.
One of the most notable provisions requires prior approval from the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly before an MPA can be arrested in most criminal cases, a measure supporters say is intended to protect legislators from politically motivated actions.
However, critics argue that the expanded privileges and legal safeguards could weaken accountability and place elected representatives above ordinary citizens, sparking renewed debate over transparency, governance, and the balance between official protections and public responsibility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
