Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan says the provincial government will withdraw recently disputed provisions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly Act within a week after consultations with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
Speaking at a press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Peshawar, Shafi Jan said the decision followed discussions within the provincial cabinet. He also made a series of allegations regarding a separate high-profile case and called for a transparent investigation. His remarks reflect his and the provincial government’s position on the matter.
Government to Reverse Disputed Provisions
Shafi Jan said the Assembly Speaker had referred the controversial provisions back to the Privileges Committee, and that the provincial government would formally withdraw them within one week.
According to the minister, the provisions relating to lifetime blue passports, journalists, and other disputed clauses will be removed.
He said the legislative process began on April 30, the bill received the Governor’s assent on May 6, and was published in the official gazette on May 7. He added that the complete legislative record is available on the Provincial Assembly’s website.
Minister Defends Legislative Process
The information minister maintained that most of the provisions were consistent with the 1986 law, claiming that the clause concerning lifetime blue passports was the only major addition.
He also questioned criticism of the legislation, referring to the issuance of blue passports in previous years.
Calls for Investigation Into Separate Case
Addressing a separate issue, Shafi Jan alleged that controversy surrounding the Assembly legislation was being used to divert attention from a case involving the grandson of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Without presenting evidence during the press conference, he alleged that attempts were being made to conceal evidence in the case, including CCTV footage, and criticized senior police officials over the handling of the investigation.
Demands Transparent Inquiry
Shafi Jan called on Ishaq Dar to publicly address the matter and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the case.
He also called for Dar’s resignation, while alleging that the incident had attracted significant national and international attention.
No response from Ishaq Dar, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), or the police regarding the allegations was immediately available.
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