The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed a law introducing new restrictions on the reporting, publication and broadcast of its proceedings, prescribing prison terms, fines and other penalties for journalists and media organisations found in violation of its provisions.

Under the new law, the Speaker has the authority to bar any journalist from covering Assembly proceedings and may prohibit them from reporting on the House for a specified period.

The law also empowers the Speaker to prohibit the publication or broadcast of any Assembly proceedings. Any journalist who violates such an order may face up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs1 million, or both.

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It further states that if a journalist or media organisation is found to have allegedly distorted or misrepresented Assembly proceedings, legal action may be initiated, carrying a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs300,000.

The legislation also provides that a journalist who levels allegations of bias against the Speaker or criticises the Speaker's conduct may face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs1 million.

In addition, publishing or broadcasting the report of a standing committee before it is formally tabled in the Assembly may result in up to three months' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs300,000.

Similarly, publishing or broadcasting an adjournment motion before it is tabled in the Assembly may carry a penalty of up to one month's imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs100,000.

The law is expected to draw scrutiny from journalist bodies, media organisations and advocates of press freedom over its potential impact on media coverage and freedom of expression.