The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce amendments to the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO and 16-MPO) laws and Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday approved the formation of a committee under Law Minister Aftab Alam to review the existing laws and propose reforms.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Afridi said every law has both positive and negative aspects, stressing that legislation must not be used as a tool for political pressure or revenge.

He said freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are fundamental rights of every citizen.

A new framework would be developed to ensure a balance between the right to protest and public convenience so that demonstrations do not cause hardship to citizens.

A four-member committee, led by Law Minister Aftab Alam, will present recommendations to reform the relevant laws and remove clauses that could allow for political victimisation.

Afridi emphasised that protecting citizens’ lives and property and ensuring public facilities remain the government’s top priorities.

The meeting was attended by Law Minister Aftab Alam, the chief secretary, home secretary, and the advocate general.