PESHAWAR( Naimat Ullah) In a landmark development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has formally approved major amendments to its Rules of Procedure after a gap of 37 years, marking what provincial leaders called a “historic day” for parliamentary democracy. The approval was celebrated in a high-profile ratification ceremony held in the provincial assembly on Wednesday, attended by top political and constitutional figures.
The event brought together Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, Opposition Leader Dr. Abdullah, provincial ministers, the Advocate General, and a large number of sitting and former lawmakers. Former Governor Shah Farman, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, and several ex-Speakers of the provincial assembly, including Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, Bakht Jehan, and Karamatullah Chagharmatti, were also in attendance.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Copies of the new rules were distributed among the attendees, while the members who played a pivotal role in drafting the amendments signed the official register to mark the occasion.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, while addressing the assembly, described the day as “a proud moment not just for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly but for Pakistan’s parliamentary history.” He emphasized that the updated Rules of Procedure 2025 represent far more than a bureaucratic exercise. “This is a reaffirmation of democratic values, constitutional clarity, and institutional performance,” the Governor said, adding that the revised rules will serve as a roadmap for strengthening governance and legislative efficiency.
Governor Kundi reminded participants that the assembly’s first set of Rules and Business was framed on 25 October 1973 and had guided the legislative process for over five decades. “The constitutional bond between the Governor’s office and the assembly is a reflection of shared responsibility to strengthen democracy,” he said. The Governor praised the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their leadership and urged all stakeholders to work together for peace, progress, and prosperity in the province.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur called the approval of the new rules an important milestone in the province’s legislative history. “Today is a significant day when, after 37 years, amendments to the Assembly Rules of Business have been passed,” he said. Gandapur argued that the reforms will streamline assembly proceedings and ultimately benefit the people.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the reforms, the Chief Minister said, “In line with the vision of Imran Khan, reforming institutions remains our mission because strong institutions are the guarantee of a strong nation.” He expressed concern that legislative time was often wasted on unnecessary criticism instead of resolving public issues. “We are answerable in this world and the hereafter; we must fulfill our responsibilities diligently so that people remember us in good words,” Gandapur said.
He also drew attention to Pakistan’s economic challenges, noting that the country is burdened with over PKR 80 trillion in debt and PKR 8 trillion in interest payments. “A nation in debt can never be truly independent. If we collectively decide to move towards real freedom, we can solve most of our problems,” he said.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati echoed these sentiments, terming the ratification of the rules “a milestone in parliamentary history.” He stressed that his priority as Speaker has always been to act fairly and implement the directives of his party leader, Imran Khan. “I have never intentionally neglected, acted dishonestly, or compromised the integrity of this position,” he said.
Speaker Swati highlighted that the assembly’s functioning is sustained by the presence of a strong opposition. “The government does not speak against itself; it is the opposition that keeps the assembly alive,” he said. Tracing the evolution of the rules, he noted that the assembly had been functioning under the 1974 notification since the adoption of the 1973 Constitution, making this the first comprehensive revision in 51 years.
The Speaker also acknowledged the contributions of 43 members of the assembly, legislative staff, law and finance departments, and other institutions who worked tirelessly for nine months to finalize the draft. He expressed gratitude to the National Assembly Speaker and his team for their support during the process.
The newly adopted rules are expected to bring greater transparency, improve legislative procedure, and reduce procedural bottlenecks that have often slowed down the functioning of the house. Experts believe that this reform aligns the provincial assembly with global parliamentary standards and sets an example for other legislatures in the country.
Political observers see this step as a potential turning point in KP’s democratic evolution. By modernizing the Rules of Business, the assembly has positioned itself to address the challenges of governance more effectively and foster a culture of constructive debate rather than political confrontation.
The ratification ceremony concluded with renewed calls for unity among political forces, with both the Governor and Chief Minister urging stakeholders to focus on public service rather than partisan politics. The event ended on a celebratory note, with attendees expressing optimism that the reforms will enhance legislative output and strengthen democracy in the province.
