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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to formalise and protect its Rs380 billion street economy with the proposed Ehsaas Rehribaan Livelihood Protection Bill 2025, aiming to safeguard 140,000 street vendors. The draft law, completed by the provincial government, will be sent to the cabinet before presentation in the KP Assembly.
Once enacted, KP will become the first province to legally secure street vendors’ rights, preventing unlawful displacement, extortion, and coercion. Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi highlighted that the bill ensures due-process protections, barring any anti-encroachment action without prior notice and legal compliance.
The legislation also promises financial inclusion, offering vendors access to microfinance, credit, insurance, and emergency support. Registered vendors will have representation in Tehsil Vending Committees, allowing them to participate in decisions affecting vending zones. The government views the bill as a key step toward organising the street economy and strengthening protections for low-income workers.
