Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday termed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's decision to grant lifetime blue passports and other privileges to provincial lawmakers as "political bribery", saying the federal government would not implement any legislation that promotes VIP culture or damages Pakistan's international reputation.
Addressing a press conference, Talal Chaudhry said public representatives should live like ordinary citizens instead of enjoying special privileges. He questioned why lawmakers should receive free travel, official passports, free accommodation, arms licences, tinted vehicles and government security when ordinary Pakistanis do not.
He said the federal government was not bound to implement provincial legislation that could harm Pakistan's interests or the global standing of its passport.
'Political bribery' and VIP culture
The minister accused the PTI-led KP government of abandoning its promise to end VIP culture by extending special benefits to lawmakers.
He described the new privileges as "political bribery" aimed at rewarding party members rather than serving the public.
Passport misuse concerns
Talal claimed official passports had previously been misused, citing the case of PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi's son, who allegedly travelled to Europe on a blue passport, sought political asylum and surrendered his Pakistani passport.
He argued that such incidents had damaged Pakistan's international image.
Passport reforms highlighted
The minister said the federal government had strengthened passport security over the past two and a half years by eliminating fake passports, making the issuance process more transparent and reducing the number of official passports issued to ineligible individuals.
According to Talal, these reforms improved Pakistan's passport ranking by around 25 to 30 places and helped secure easier travel arrangements with several European and Gulf countries for holders of official and diplomatic passports.
KP law expands lawmakers' privileges
Talal's remarks came after the KP Assembly enacted the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, granting lifetime official (blue) passports to members and their spouses along with expanded legal protections and other privileges.
He reiterated that the federal government would not implement any law relating to blue passports, prohibited-bore arms licences or other unnecessary privileges that undermine national interests.
