Shafi defends blue passport facility for KP lawmakers

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan on Wednesday clarified that the issuance of blue passports to Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) was not a new concession but an existing entitlement under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Powers, Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1988.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside senior opposition lawmakers at the KP Assembly, the minister said a misleading impression had been created regarding the proposed amendments to the law governing the powers, privileges and immunities of provincial lawmakers. He maintained that many claims circulating on social media and in sections of the media did not accurately reflect the actual contents of the legislation.
Shafi Jan said the provincial cabinet had not approved any new provision granting blue passports beyond what was already provided in the 1988 Act. He clarified that the cabinet-approved draft bill, which was later sent to the Provincial Assembly, contained no provision for lifetime blue passports or extending the facility to the family members of legislators. According to him, these amendments were introduced only after the bill had been tabled in the Assembly.
The minister said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had directed that all provisions of the proposed legislation that had drawn public criticism be revisited in consultation with leaders of all parliamentary parties. He added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government welcomed constructive criticism and remained committed to press freedom.
He further said the chief minister had also instructed the provincial government to hold detailed consultations with journalists regarding provisions related to fines and other clauses contained in the proposed legislation.
Defending the package of privileges for lawmakers, Shafi Jan said members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly continued to receive fewer benefits than legislators in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and the National Assembly. He also claimed that no increase had been made in lawmakers’ benefits since his party assumed office in the province.
Responding to criticism over toll tax exemptions, the minister said the facility had been available to parliamentarians and judges for nearly two decades and was not a new concession. He also defended the provincial budget, describing it as a people-friendly document prepared in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Referring to the security situation in the province, Shafi Jan said MPAs had been provided Category-B security due to persistent threats. He added that around 57,000 blue passports had already been issued across Pakistan, including to members of the National Assembly and Senate, and urged the federal government to make public the complete record of all blue passports issued.