KP govt revises speaker, deputy speaker’s perks bill after criticism

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has revised a controversial draft bill proposing expanded perks and privileges for the speaker and deputy speaker after facing criticism from the opposition and the public, documents showed.

The proposed legislation, titled the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker Privileges and Benefits Act, 2026, seeks to amend the existing 1973 law governing salaries and allowances of provincial lawmakers.

According to the revised draft, the speaker would be entitled to two official vehicles, including one armoured car, while both the speaker and deputy speaker would face no cap on electricity and gas bills.

The speaker would also act as the “controlling officer” for the financial matters of both offices.

The revised bill proposes monthly medical allowances and full healthcare facilities for the families of both officeholders, as well as special travel allowances for official foreign visits.

Earlier proposals suggesting lifetime perks and post-retirement staff for the speaker sparked strong backlash, prompting the government to revise the draft.

KP Law Minister Aftab Alam said reports about post-retirement privileges were inaccurate, adding that the revised draft had been presented to the provincial cabinet for consideration.

The earlier draft reviewed by HUM News English proposed transferring authority over salaries and allowances to a finance committee, which would also determine future increases for the speaker, deputy speaker and members of the assembly.

The bill further suggested granting both officials immunity from arrest during their tenure and barring law enforcement agencies from conducting raids at their residences.

It also stated that certain official privileges would continue even after the dissolution of the assembly.

Under the proposed framework, the finance committee would decide rent and related expenses if official accommodation is not provided, while telephone, internet and mobile phone facilities would be extended to both offices at state expense.

The proposal includes state-funded travel for spouses and children on domestic and foreign visits, along with permission to take two staff members on official trips, with all expenses covered by the government.

In addition, according to the earlier draft, the speaker and deputy speaker would be authorised to use helicopters and special aircraft for official duties.

Earlier, government spokesperson Shafi Jan confirmed the amendments were under consideration and had been referred to the finance committee.

He said the bill remains at the proposal stage and will be presented to the provincial cabinet before being tabled in the assembly for approval.