Provincial Assembly of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the legislative body of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, located in Peshawar, the provincial capital. It is a unicameral assembly established under Article 106 of the Constitution of Pakistan, with a total of 145 seats. The assembly is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the provincial government’s functioning.
Leadership
The leadership of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is as follows:
- Speaker: Babar Saleem Swati, PTI (since 29 February 2024)
- Deputy Speaker: Suraya Bibi, PTI (since 29 February 2024)
- Leader of the House: Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI (since 1 March 2024)
- Leader of the Opposition: Ibadullah Khan, PMLN
Structure and Composition
The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is composed of:
- 115 general seats elected through the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.
- 26 seats reserved for women.
- 4 seats reserved for non-Muslims.
Administration
The Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is headed by a Governor appointed by the Federal Government. The province is divided into 35 districts, each headed by a Zilla Nazim. Functions are further devolved to Tehsil, Town, and Union Council Governments at the local level.
Historical Context
The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a rich history dating back to the early days of Pakistan’s independence. The first assembly was formed in 1947 and has since seen various transformations and political changes. Key milestones include:
- 1970: The assembly was restored, and general elections were held on December 17, 1970.
- 1985: Elections were held on a non-party basis on February 28, 1985.
- 2013: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged as the largest party in the province, marking a significant shift in political dynamics.
Legislative Role and Responsibilities
The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is responsible for:
- Legislation: Creating laws on various provincial matters, including education, health, and infrastructure.
- Budget Approval: Reviewing and approving the provincial budget, which outlines government spending and revenue generation.
- Oversight: Monitoring the provincial government’s functioning, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
Qualifications of Members
To be eligible for membership in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Pakistan.
- Age: Must be at least 25 years old and enrolled as a voter in any electoral roll.
- Character: Must possess good character and not be commonly known as one who violates Islamic injunctions.
- Knowledge: Must have adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices.
- Behavior: Must be sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, and honest.
- Convictions: Must not have been convicted for a crime involving moral turpitude or for giving false evidence.
- Loyalty: Must not have worked against the integrity of Pakistan or opposed its ideology after its establishment.
Current Assembly Dynamics
The current assembly reflects a diverse political landscape, with members from multiple political parties representing different constituencies. The Speaker of the Assembly plays a crucial role in maintaining order during sessions and facilitating legislative processes.
List of Assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Here is the list of Assemblies with their respective terms:
1st Assembly: 2 May 1972 to 13 January 1977
2nd Assembly: 6 April 1977 to 5 July 1977
3rd Assembly: 12 March 1985 to 30 May 1988
4th Assembly: 2 December 1988 to 6 August 1990
5th Assembly: 5 November 1990 to 30 May 1993
6th Assembly: 18 October 1993 to 12 November 1997
7th Assembly: 19 February 1997 to 12 October 1999
8th Assembly: 27 November 2002 to 10 October 2007
9th Assembly: 20 March 2008 to 19 March 2013
10th Assembly: 30 May 2013 to 28 May 2018
11th Assembly: 13 August 2018 to 18 January 2023
12th Assembly: 28 February 2024 to 2029
The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a vital institution in Pakistan’s democratic framework, providing a platform for representation and governance for the province’s large and diverse population. Its legislative authority and responsibilities are essential for addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.