In second letter to KP police chief, assembly speaker Swati seeks details of 'detained' lawmakers, ministers
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has sought details from police of provincial cabinet members and lawmakers who have been “detained or arrested”, it emerged on Sunday. The developments comes after reports of the detention of several PTI members and supporters, including party founder’s sisters and provincial ministers, ahead of a protest that has now been postponed…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has requested police details about any lawmakers and provincial ministers who have been detained or arrested, according to a letter sent to police chief Zulfiqar Hameed. This follows reports of the arrest of several PTI members and supporters ahead of a protest postponed to October 4.
The letter cites constitutional articles and assembly rules, asking for a report on incidents from the past two weeks, including arrests, searches, or similar actions against lawmakers, ministers, and other officials. Swati, the assembly's custodian, must be consulted before any arrest, and the speaker maintains that the law does not exempt lawmakers from investigation, prosecution, or judicial process.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticized the speaker's consent requirement, questioning police waiting for his approval even if a lawmaker caused harm. Swati defended the privilege, stating it was to prevent political revenge and ensure the assembly functions without fear. The dispute arises amid heated debate over the new KP Police Act, with the interior ministry claiming it violates the constitutional framework and weakens police command due to KP's frontline position in the fight against terrorism.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
