Naqvi questions KP lawmaker arrest rules

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has criticised a proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police law that would require the provincial assembly speaker’s permission before a lawmaker can be arrested in a criminal case.

In a statement on Saturday, Naqvi questioned whether police would also need approval from the speaker if an MPA were accused of murder. He described the provision as an unusual interpretation of equality before the law.

The criticism came after the KP Assembly Secretariat issued instructions to the provincial police chief regarding the arrest or detention of lawmakers.

Under the procedure, police or another relevant authority would have to seek the speaker’s permission before arresting an MPA in a criminal case or detaining the lawmaker under an executive order. The authority would also be required to provide reasons for the proposed action.

The speaker could request a police report or challan and, in the public interest, order an inquiry before the challan is submitted to a court.

The assembly secretariat has directed the inspector general of police to ensure that the prescribed procedure is followed.

The development follows the KP cabinet’s approval of amendments to the provincial police law earlier this week. The changes were introduced after lawmakers raised concerns over the proposed legislation.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry had also criticised the amendments, warning that they could affect police command, discipline and morale, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Chaudhry said the federal government could challenge the legislation before the Supreme Court. He also raised objections to proposed changes in the powers of the provincial police chief and the transfer of authority over appointments and postings of senior police officers to the provincial government.

The federal government maintains that provincial police legislation must conform to the Constitution and the legal framework governing the Police Service of Pakistan.

The KP government, meanwhile, has continued advancing the revised law, which seeks changes in police command, administrative powers and accountability mechanisms.