The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Promotion of Digital Payment Act 2026 to help turn the province into a cashless economy. Meanwhile, a provincial assembly session saw a heated confrontation over a quorum issue and the suspension of a PML-N lawmaker.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam presented the digital payments bill in the assembly on Friday. Under the proposed law, businesses across the province will be required to accept digital payments and display QR codes at their shops and commercial centers.
Educational institutions, clinics and hospitals will also be required to provide digital payment facilities. Businesses will not be allowed to charge customers extra for using digital payment methods, while those that refuse to accept such payments will face fines.
The law also allows 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 support. The government said the law would promote transparency, increase digital transactions and encourage people to move toward a cashless economy.
Meanwhile, the assembly session became chaotic during a discussion about the health and treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan. Government member Sajjad Barkwal criticized the alleged treatment of Khan, saying the world had seen how he was being treated and that he was sent back to Adiala Jail after a medical checkup.
During his speech, PML-N member Sobia Shahid pointed out a lack of quorum, which angered government lawmakers and led to loud protests from both sides. Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi repeatedly asked members to maintain order, but the uproar continued.
Shahid also showed a paper displaying a blood pressure reading of 120/80. A government member allegedly used an inappropriate word, leading to strong protests from women lawmakers, who demanded an apology.
After a short break, the required quorum was present, but Shahid continued to disrupt the proceedings. The deputy speaker repeatedly warned her 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 was still incomplete and that the deputy speaker could not issue the ruling. Opposition members and some government lawmakers tried to convince her to leave, but she remained in the chamber.
ANP parliamentary leader Arbab Usman criticized the government over poor attendance, saying the sanctity of the assembly should be respected. JUI member Adnan Khan also called for restraint and said Shahid had raised the quorum issue under the assembly rules.
Law Minister Aftab Alam defended the deputy speaker’s decision and warned that Rule 227 would be used against lawmakers who disrupted proceedings.
Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi eventually upheld the two-week suspension and adjourned the assembly session until August 24.
