‘KP Assembly passes 168 new laws on protection of people’s rights, welfare’

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said Tuesday 168 new laws were passed by the assembly for protection of peoples’ rights and their welfare.

Addressing a press conference, the speaker said the anti-dowry legislation was passed by the assembly in order to get rid of the social menace of dowry in society.

The speaker said no society can achieve prosperity and development without the socio-economic empowerment of women and added that the provincial government is determined to protect fundamental human rights.

‘Walima’ and other marriage-related ceremonies in wedding halls and hotels would be concluded by 11pm and only one dish would be allowed during wedding feast, he said, adding that violators demanding and giving dowry would be fined up to Rs two lakh and three months imprisonment or both.

The speaker said the deputy commissioners and DPOs of the respective districts would ensure implementation of the anti-dowry law on the ground and strict punishment would be handed out to the accused.

The services of 4,l800 employees of various departments including those working in different projects recruited through NTS (National Testing Service) and ETEA (Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency) were regularised, he said.

Efforts are underway to examine cases of others employees working on contract and daily wages in different projects and departments, he remarked.

The speaker said KP Censorship Motion Pictures (film, CDs, videos, stage drama and shows) bill 2018 has been passed from the assembly aimed at having closer checks on the content in movies, CDs and stage dramas before its public exhibitions.

Special boards would be constituted to examine films, CDs and videos etc before its telecast, he said, adding this law would help discourage vulgarity and obscenity and will provide healthy entertainment facilities to people.

To discourage use of hard drugs in the society, he said, work on legislation against it was started and the proposed draft was referred to the Select Committee.

To a question about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s plans to bring amendments in its much-trumpeted Right to Information Act (RTI) 2013, the speaker said we want such laws that were acceptable to all and protect rights of all citizens of the province.

The speaker said all public expectations have been fulfilled by the assembly and appreciated the lawmakers both from the opposition and treasury benches during the process of legislation in the last four and half years.

The speaker said he held important meetings with all parliamentary leaders for smooth conduct of the Senate elections.

All attempts at horse-trading in Senate elections would be foiled with the support of elected lawmakers and smooth polls would be held on March 3, he added.

He is scheduled to hold an important meeting with the leadership of opposition parties on Wednesday about the smooth conduct of Senate Elections and appreciated the support extended by the parliamentary leaders and MPA’s (Members of Provincial Assembly) to him as KP Assembly speaker.