Ban on PTM PHC directs federal govt to submit cabinet meeting’s minutes

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday directed the federal government to submit minutes of the cabinet meeting about the ban imposed on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM).

A two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Qazi Jawad Ihsanullah heard the writ petition filed by PTM leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen.PTM’s lawyer, Attaullah Kundi, informed the court that the federal government had imposed a ban on PTM and claimed that it was approved by the cabinet. However, he pleaded that the approval for the ban was not actually taken from the federal cabinet, and so far, the federal government has not presented any record regarding the cabinet’s decision.

He argued that over 250 persons had been placed under Schedule 4, leading to the freezing of their accounts, which should be reopened.Upon this, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah said that a proper forum existed for this matter and that the petitioners could seek redress from the Review Board.

After arguments, the court ordered the federal government to submit the cabinet minutes regarding PTM’s ban by the next hearing and adjourned the proceedings until March 11.Similarly, a citizen had filed a writ petition against PTM’s alleged establishment of a parallel judicial system. Advocate Daniyal Chamkani appeared on behalf of the petitioner and argued that the organization intended to introduce a parallel judicial system, which was unconstitutional.

He cited relevant decisions from the higher judiciary in this regard.However, PTM’s lawyer Attaullah Kundi assured the court that the organization did not take any steps against the constitution and only sought the supremacy of the law. He clarified that no parallel judicial system was being established and that the matter was merely about tribal jirgas. Upon this assurance, the court disposed of the writ petition.