Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has initiated consultations with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to finalize the date for local government elections in 23 districts. The terms of local government representatives in KP expired on March 15, 2026, and the ECP emphasized the constitutional requirement to hold elections within 120 days of term expiration. The KP chief secretary confirmed readiness to assist, with a follow-up consultation scheduled after 15 days.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government decided to withdraw controversial clauses from the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, which had expanded lawmakers’ privileges, following public backlash. The law, which included provisions like blue passports, arms licenses, and arrest immunity, will be revised to align with the 1988 law. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi called for a harmonized national framework to standardize legislators’ privileges across Pakistan.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government enacted a law granting provincial assembly members lifetime official passports and expanded their powers, immunities, and privileges. The new legislation, which includes provisions for summoning government officers and granting immunity from preventive detention, replaced the 1988 law on the subject.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will present a Rs2.15 trillion tax-free budget for 2026-27, allocating Rs235 billion for the Annual Development Programme and targeting Rs182 billion in own-source revenue. The budget includes a 7% pay raise for government workers, no new taxes, and reductions in infrastructure development cess and tax on five-marla houses. Approval of the federal grant is contingent on Imran Khan's assent.