K-P Assembly approves digital payments bill

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Promotion of Digital Payment Act 2026, aimed at transforming the province into a cashless economy, while a stormy provincial assembly session witnessed a heated confrontation over a quorum call and the suspension of a PML-N lawmaker. Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam introduced the digital payments bill in the assembly on Friday. Under the proposed law, businesses across the province will be required to facilitate digital payments and display QR codes at shops and commercial centres. Educational institutions, clinics and hospitals will also be required to provide digital payment facilities. Businesses will not be allowed to impose additional charges on customers using digital payment methods, while those refusing to accept digital payments will face fines. The law also empowers monitoring officers to inspect business premises at any time. Newly registered businesses will receive tax relief for two years, while banks and digital payment service providers will be required to provide technical assistance. The government says the measure will promote transparency, broaden digital transactions and encourage citizens to move towards a cashless economy. Meanwhile, the assembly session turned chaotic during a discussion on the health and treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan. Government member Sajjad Barkwal criticised the alleged treatment of Khan, saying the world had witnessed how he was being treated and that he had been shifted back to Adiala Jail after a medical check-up. During his speech, PML-N member Sobia Shahid pointed out a quorum, angering government lawmakers and triggering loud protests from both sides. Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi repeatedly directed members to maintain order, but the uproar continued. Shahid also displayed a paper showing a blood pressure reading of 120/80. A government member allegedly used an inappropriate word, prompting strong protests from women lawmakers, who demanded an apology. After a brief recess, the required quorum was present, but Shahid continued to disrupt proceedings. The deputy speaker warned her repeatedly before suspending her for two weeks under Rule 227 and ordering security personnel to escort her from the chamber. Shahid refused to leave, arguing that the quorum had not been complete and the deputy speaker could not issue the ruling. Opposition and some government members attempted to persuade her to leave, but she remained in the house. ANP Parliamentary Leader Arbab Usman criticised the government for maintaining poor attendance, saying the sanctity of the assembly must be respected. JUI member Adnan Khan also urged restraint and said she had raised the quorum issue under assembly rules. Law Minister Aftab Alam defended the deputy speaker's action, warning that Rule 227 would be invoked against lawmakers disrupting proceedings. Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi ultimately upheld the two-week suspension and adjourned the assembly session until August 24.