PHC seeks progress report on security to courts, judges in KP

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday sought a progress report in a petition seeking security for courts, judges and barrooms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Hearing the petition, a two-member bench of the PHC comprising Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and

Justice Wiqar Ahmad directed the parties in the writ filed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council seeking security for courts, judges and barrooms in the province to submit comments on the progress made so far.

During the hearing, Additional Chief Secretary for Home Affairs Department Abid Majid informed the court that the matter had been raised with the federal government following court orders.

He said that meetings at the joint secretary and deputy secretary levels had been held where new

standard operating procedures (SOPs) were discussed aimed at ensuring the security of judges and barrooms.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Uthmankhel, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah, Deputy Inspector General (Legal) Akhtar Abbas and KP Bar Council chairman Sadiq Ali Mohmand also appeared in the case.

KP AG informed the court that in light of the PHC’s orders, new comments were submitted, containing detailed responses to the questions posed by the court. He explained that this was the reason for

the delay and the comments were submitted the

same day.

Upon this, the court asked ACS what steps had been taken so far. He informed the court that two meetings were held with federal government officials at the joint secretary and deputy secretary levels following the PHC’s orders, and that meeting minutes were available.

AAG Sanaullah confirmed the two meetings and provided the meeting minutes; however, the

court noted they were

not on file.

The KP AG assured the court that all necessary measures were being taken regarding the security of judges and courts, with a review of existing SOPs underway.

The AAG added that there was a proposal to include judicial officers, bar council members and other stakeholders in the committee to make decisions on this matter.

The court directed the ACS to submit a written response on the issue before the next scheduled date. The KP AG pointed out that the police force in the province had rendered the greatest sacrifices, to which the chief justice responded, acknowledging that judicial activities in two districts were suspended due to the deteriorating security situation.

The CJ said that the KP Police, with over 20,000 martyrs, had rendered more sacrifices than any other force, and that their lives were valued.

He urged that a joint strategy be developed, as judicial work had already been halted in two districts. He instructed the federal government representative to ensure that necessary equipment was provided to the provincial government, underscoring that both federal and provincial governments must collaborate to enhance security.

The court then ordered both the federal and provincial governments to

submit comments on the measures taken by the next hearing date after which appropriate orders would be issued.The hearing was adjourned until November 14.