KP assembly approves strict media rules

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved a new law introducing restrictions, fines, and imprisonment provisions for journalists covering assembly proceedings.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved a new law introducing restrictions, fines, and imprisonment provisions for journalists covering assembly proceedings. The legislation grants the assembly speaker significant powers regarding media coverage of house activities.

According to reports, the law allows the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to prevent any journalist from covering assembly proceedings for a specified period. The speaker will also have the authority to restrict the publication or broadcast of certain assembly proceedings.

Under the newly approved legislation, any person or journalist violating the imposed restrictions may face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 1 million.

The law further states that action can be taken against journalists or media organizations if they are found to have distorted or misrepresented assembly proceedings. In such cases, a journalist could face up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 300,000.

The legislation also includes penalties related to criticism of the assembly speaker. A journalist accused of alleging bias against the speaker or criticizing the speaker’s conduct may face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 1 million under the provisions.

The law also addresses the publication of parliamentary committee information before official release. A journalist who broadcasts or publishes a standing committee report before it is formally presented in the assembly could face up to three months in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 300,000.

Similarly, publishing or broadcasting details of an adjournment motion before it is officially presented may result in one month of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 100,000.

Reports state that the legislation was approved through an additional agenda item in April and remained undisclosed for several months. The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signed the bill on May 6, completing the approval process.

Reacting to the development, PTI spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai said that the bill was not introduced by his party and claimed that it was presented by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He added that the provincial chief minister was not satisfied with the approval and suggested that the law could be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Commenting on lawmakers’ salaries and benefits, Yousafzai said that salaries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly members were lower compared with other provinces. He argued that public criticism should also focus on larger government expenditures rather than only parliamentary privileges.

The law has sparked debate among journalists, media organizations, and political circles, with critics raising concerns about press freedom and the ability of reporters to independently cover parliamentary proceedings. Supporters of the legislation argue that it aims to ensure accurate reporting and protect the dignity of the assembly.