KP Assembly demands judicial probe into lawyer’s killing

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of a lawyer allegedly at the hands of a station house officer (SHO) in Charsadda, while also referring the case to the House Standing Committee after heated debates.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) MPA Sobia Shahid, through a call attention notice, claimed that a police team led by the local SHO raided a hujra (male guest house) in Charsadda a few days ago and allegedly killed Advocate Asim Shah. She added that the same police official injured some constables by opening fire on them in order to frame the slain lawyer and his family.

The lawmaker demanded the suspension of the SHO and a proper investigation to provide justice to the victim’s family.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Khalid Khan, elected from the same constituency, condemned the incident, saying such actions tarnished the image of the Police Department and created fear and hatred among the public.

Provincial Minister Fazl Shakoor Khan informed the House that an FIR had been registered against the accused officer, who later secured protective bail from a Lahore court, while the local lawyers’ community had refused to take his case. He suggested either referring the matter to the Home Committee or ordering a judicial inquiry so that both sides—the accused and the bereaved family—could present their versions.

Opposition Leader Dr Ibaadullah termed the incident “police gardi” (police brutality), warning that public trust in the force would erode if black sheep were not removed from the department.

Provincial Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam did not oppose the call attention notice and agreed to refer the matter to the House Standing Committee.Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, who was chairing the session, directed the committee to submit its report to the House within 15 days.

Meanwhile, through another call attention notice, minority MPA Suresh Kumar urged the provincial government to ensure the two percent quota for minority students in medical colleges, public universities, and other higher education institutions. He claimed that instead of the quota, only two general seats and four self-finance seats had been allocated for minority students.

Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi clarified that medical colleges did not fall under the Higher Education Department’s domain but confirmed that the two percent quota had been allocated in all public universities, including Islamia College University, for non-Muslim students.

The House also approved the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2025. Under the amended Motor Vehicles Ordinance, citizens will be allowed to obtain personalized registration plates of their choice for three consecutive years.

The assembly further approved the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business presented by the deputy speaker, who also chairs the committee.Prayers were offered for the victims of the recent earthquake in neighboring Afghanistan. Through a unanimous resolution, the House urged the federal government to extend all possible assistance to the Afghan people and allow the injured to receive medical treatment in Pakistani hospitals.The session was adjourned until Tuesday afternoon.