Mohsin Naqvi criticizes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police law

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has criticized a new police law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that requires police to obtain permission from the provincial assembly speaker before arresting a lawmaker (MPA) accused of a criminal offense.

The KP Assembly Secretariat issued a letter to the Inspector General of Police outlining that any arrest or detention of an MPA under an executive order must be preceded by a request to the speaker, including reasons from the relevant magistrate. The speaker also holds the authority to order inquiries or seek police reports before a case is submitted to court.

Federal officials have expressed concerns regarding the legislation. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated the law could impact police discipline, command structure, and counter-terrorism efforts. He also objected to changes regarding the powers of the IGP and the transfer of authority over senior officer appointments to the provincial government, noting the law would be challenged in the Supreme Court.