• Governor KP rejected bill on use of official helicopter
• He said use by unauthorized persons is a crime
• KP Assembly passed bill allowing use of official helicopter

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor has returned the bill regarding the use of a helicopter by prominent officials of the provincial government.

Governor KP Haji Ghulam Ali sent back the bill for the use of the helicopter after raising objections. He said the use of the official helicopter by unauthorized persons is a crime and is being investigated by NAB and other institutions.

The governor said an inquiry on the use of helicopters under Article 62/63 is pending in the Election Commission of Pakistan. Terming the bill a violation of the Constitution, he said attempts have been made to provide legal cover to the use of helicopters in the past which must be brought to an end.

The objection letter said the bill may cause embarrassment to the Governor, Speaker’s Office and other institutions. It said the provincial assembly should review the amendments made regarding the use of helicopters.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved the bill for the use of the official helicopter sent to the governor for his signature.

Under this bill, the use of government helicopters has been legalized since 2008. The chief minister, ministers, government officers and public officials will be allowed to use official helicopters.

The bill required amendments in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Act 1975 wherein new sections after 7A were inserted.

The amendments said the chief minister may use government-owned aircraft or helicopters for official use and the expenses would be borne by the government

The chief minister may hire an aircraft or helicopter from the open market or requisition it from the Pakistan Air Force or the federal government for official use.

The chief minister may allow a minister or public servant to use an aircraft or helicopter of the government for official use. The expenses will be borne by the provincial government.

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