PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed a bill amending the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission Ordinance, 1978, further reducing the administrative powers of the provincial governor.
The amendment was introduced in line with Article 242(1B), Article 105 of the Constitution, and the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Under the new legislation, the chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission will continue to be appointed by the governor, but only on the advice of the chief minister. The governor will also exercise administrative functions in accordance with the advice of the chief minister or the provincial cabinet.
The assembly approved amendments to Sections 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the 1978 ordinance.
According to the bill, references to the term “Governor” in relevant provisions will, where appropriate, be replaced with “Government.” The governor’s constitutional role in appointing the commission chairman will remain intact, while the commission’s legal and administrative framework will be aligned with constitutional requirements.
The legislation also aims to remove ambiguities regarding administrative authority and strengthen transparency, merit-based governance and institutional efficiency.
