The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privileges has decided to end the lifetime blue passport facility for lawmakers. Under the proposed changes, members will receive blue passports only during their assembly term.
The decision was taken during a committee meeting chaired by Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi. She also serves as the head of the Standing Committee on Privileges.
The move forms part of ongoing discussions on the Members’ Privileges Bill. Officials are reviewing several provisions before finalising the legislation.
Committee Reviews Privileges and Entitlements Bill
During the meeting, members discussed issuing NADRA cards to assembly lawmakers. The committee also considered removing the provision for issuing such cards to family members.
Furthermore, lawmakers reviewed proposed amendments to media-related laws. The committee agreed to introduce some relaxation measures within the Members’ Privileges and Entitlements Bill.
However, the privileges and expenses of the speaker and deputy speaker will remain unchanged. The committee decided not to alter those benefits.
Officials said the amendments aim to update existing provisions while maintaining essential privileges. The revised bill is expected to reflect these recommendations.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Passport Changes
Several assembly members reportedly expressed reservations about ending the lifetime passport facility. Some lawmakers argued against limiting the benefit to the duration of their term.
Despite these concerns, the committee moved forward with the proposed changes. The amended draft of the bill will now undergo further review.
According to sources, officials will soon finalise the revised legislation. The draft will then be sent to the provincial cabinet for approval.
After cabinet endorsement, the bill will return to the assembly for consideration. The review process began after Chief Minister Sohail Afridi asked Speaker Babar Saleem to reconsider certain provisions.
The proposed amendments are expected to shape future privileges and entitlements for KP lawmakers.
