KP Chief Minister Affirms Right to Peaceful Assembly
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, made a significant statement on Saturday, reinforcing that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are fundamental rights for every citizen. He emphasized that these rights are a cornerstone of a democratic society.
New Framework to Balance Rights and Public Order
However, the Chief Minister also announced that his government is set to develop a new regulatory framework. The primary goal of this initiative is to strike a careful balance. It aims to protect the citizens' right to protest while ensuring that these demonstrations do not cause unnecessary hardship or significant disruption to the general public.
High-Level Meeting Reviews Key Legal Provisions
Sohail Afridi shared these views while presiding over an important meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The high-level discussion focused on key legal instruments, specifically the provisions related to 3-MPO, 16-MPO, and Section 144. This indicates a comprehensive review of the existing laws governing public order and assembly.
The move signals the provincial government's intent to create a more structured and considerate approach to managing public demonstrations, ensuring both constitutional rights and daily public life are respected.
