ISLAMABAD: Interior Min­ister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday took strong exception to a new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law making prior permission from the Speaker mandatory before the arrest of a member of the provincial assembly, even in criminal cases, terming it an “extraordinary version of equality before the law.”

Mr Naqvi posted on X a copy of a letter written by the Provincial Assembly Secreta­riat to the KP inspector general of police, directing strict compliance with the law.

“Now in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa, even if an MPA is ac­­cused of a criminal offence, the police must first seek the Spe­aker’s permission before arres­ting him. What next? If an MPA kills someone, will the police first wait for the Speaker’s permission to arrest him? What an extraordinary version of ‘equa­lity before the law.’ Well done. Keep it up! And this is Riyasat-i-Madina?” the minister wrote.

Secretariat letter directs IGP to ensure strict compliance with provision

According to the letter, dated Sept 25, the IGP’s attention was drawn to Section 11 of the Khy­ber Pakhtunkhwa Pro­v­­incial Assembly (Powers, Im­­munities and Privileges) Act, 2026.

The letter reproduced the section, titled “Permission of Speaker before arrest, detention, etc. of a Member”, which states: “(1) When a Member has to be arrested on a criminal charge or for a criminal offence, or has to be detained under an executive order, the Magistrate or the executive authority, as the case may be, shall seek prior permission of the Speaker, indicating the reasons for the arrest or detention of the Mem­ber in the appropriate form set out in the Second Schedule.

“(2) Where the Speaker deems it necessary in the public interest, he may require the relevant police officer to submit the police report or challan, as the case may be, to ascertain the facts of the matter. The Speaker may, in his discretion, call up such inquiry before submission of challan in the court, as he may deem appropriate.”

The Secretariat directed the IGP to ensure strict compliance with Section 11 and to follow the prescribed procedure before arresting or detaining any member of the provincial assembly whenever such action becomes necessary.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026