PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly has prepared a draft bill that drastically increases the powers and immunities of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and lawmakers, while imposing severe restrictions and penalties on journalists.
Under the proposed law, the Speaker is granted the authority to ban any journalist from covering assembly proceedings for a specific period, or completely prohibit the publication and broadcasting of any part of the house proceedings.
The draft bill outlines stringent penalties for media professionals and organizations.
Defying a ban on publishing or broadcasting assembly proceedings can result in up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 1 million PKR.
Furthermore, if a journalist or media house misrepresents or distorts assembly proceedings, they face up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 PKR.
Targeting the leadership of the house carries heavy consequences as well, as accusing the Speaker of bias or criticizing their role can lead to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 1 million PKR.
Additionally, publishing or broadcasting a standing committee‘s report before it is formally tabled carries a penalty of up to 3 months in prison and a 300,000 PKR fine, while airing or publishing an adjournment motion prior to its official tabling can result in up to 1 month in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 PKR.
