- An open place improves transparency and accountability: President Swati.
- “The Treasury and the opposition agree on the organization of the sessions in the stadium”.
- The opposition welcomes the decision and prepares to raise questions publicly.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has decided to hold its session outside the Assembly premises for the first time, choosing to hold the proceedings at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.
KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati announced that the session would be held on April 22 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, marking an unprecedented milestone in the parliamentary history of the province.
The KP Assembly Secretariat has issued an official notification confirming the arrangement, stating that the session will be chaired by Speaker Swati and will begin at 3 p.m.
According to the speaker, the main objective of holding the session in an open venue is to provide the public with a direct opportunity to observe the performance of their elected representatives and to enhance transparency in the democratic process.
He said the initiative also aims to increase public participation and foster closer engagement between citizens and lawmakers.
Swati was of the view that similar public sessions could be organized in different districts of the province in future, adding that such initiatives would help in strengthening direct interaction between the public and their representatives.
The Assembly spokesperson said Treasury and Opposition members had agreed to the arrangement, while instructions had been given to the sports department, police and district administration to finalize security and administrative measures.
President Swati, Vice President Suriya Bibi, Assembly Secretary Syed Waqar Shah and provincial ministers also visited the stadium to review the preparations.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah welcomed the decision to hold the session in an open venue, saying it would provide an opportunity for the opposition to raise questions on the government’s performance directly before the public.
He added that while the government’s intention behind the move remains unclear, the opposition would take full advantage of the opportunity.
