Peshawar (Pakistan News): Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Ikhtiar Wali has termed the Privilege Amendment Act approved by the provincial assembly as against press freedom and democratic values, saying that the law is an attempt to suppress journalists' voices and make assembly reporting subject to government approval.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Ikhtiar Wali said that the provincial government is introducing laws aimed at restricting dissenting voices and independent journalism. He alleged that the government wants separate laws for itself and separate laws for the public.
He said that under the new law, adjournment motions, questions, resolutions, and other proceedings presented in the assembly cannot be broadcast or published in the media until they are presented before the House by the Speaker, which would affect parliamentary reporting and the public's right to information.
Ikhtiar Wali claimed that the government is also being given the authority to prevent journalists and media organizations it dislikes from covering the assembly, calling it an attack on freedom of expression.
He criticized the situation of education and health sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that Gomal University is facing an administrative crisis while the University of Peshawar is dealing with financial difficulties. He claimed that several universities in the province are facing challenges.
Ikhtiar Wali also described the situation in the health sector as concerning, saying that people are facing difficulties in accessing basic medical facilities, while the government is making unrealistic claims about its performance.
The PML-N leader alleged that instead of resolving public issues, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is engaged in publicity-driven politics and symbolic measures. He also leveled allegations regarding illegal mining, drug trafficking, and corruption, saying that the government has failed to prevent these activities.