Legislation includes financial measures such as microfinance, credit, insurance, and emergency support
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is set to formally regulate and protect the livelihoods of street vendors, following the completion of a landmark draft legislation, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi announced on Wednesday.
The Ehsaas Rehribaan (Street Vendors) Livelihood Protection Bill 2025, once approved by the provincial cabinet and ratified by the Assembly, aims to incorporate more than 140,000 street vendors into a legal framework that safeguards their rights, regulates vending spaces, and integrates them into the formal economy.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chief Minister Afridi described the legislation as a historic step in recognizing and formalizing the contributions of street vendors, who play a significant role in local commerce, food security, and accessibility of affordable services. “This is more than legislation; it is a declaration that in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, every individual, no matter how small their trade, is protected by the Rule of Law,” he said.
The proposed law will prohibit unlawful eviction, harassment, bribery, or coercion by government officials, police, or private individuals. Acts of intimidation or illegal demands from vendors will be treated as serious criminal offenses, the Chief Minister confirmed.
One of the law’s key features is the Street Vending Certificate, which will serve as legal proof protecting daily earnings and ensuring vendors are no longer subjected to arbitrary or exploitative practices. In addition to legal safeguards, the bill provides for financial inclusion measures such as microfinance, credit, insurance, and emergency support, enabling vendors to stabilize their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized the bill’s commitment to due process, noting that no anti-encroachment actions can be taken against registered vendors without prior notice, evidence-based justification, and adherence to legal procedures. He added that vendor representation will be mandatory in all Tehsil Vending Committees, which will regulate vending zones, handle registration, and resolve disputes, ensuring policymaking is inclusive and transparent.
The initiative aligns with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of a just and welfare-oriented state, Afridi said, highlighting the government’s focus on protecting vulnerable citizens whose daily earnings are critical to survival. “By securing their earnings, we are restoring the self-respect and dignity of families who have long suffered under informal and insecure conditions,” he added.
Afridi also underlined that the law is designed not only to protect incomes but also to connect vendors with broader economic opportunities, enabling them to become empowered, responsible, and legally recognized participants in the provincial economy.
