PHC seeks reply from KP govt over delay in establishing law university

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in a contempt of court petition concerning its failure to establish a law university in the province.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal heard the case. The petition was filed by Peshawar High Court Bar Association President Aminur Rehman Yousafzai, along with General Secretary Ashfaq Daudzai Advocate.

Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel appeared on behalf of the provincial government.

During the hearing, Aminur Rehman told the court that despite previous directives by both the Peshawar High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the province still lacked a dedicated law university.

“As a result, lawyers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being deprived of opportunities for higher education in the legal field,” he argued.

Responding to the court, the advocate general informed the bench that the provincial government had established a Prosecution Academy on 150 kanals of land and was working to enhance its facilities. However, Justice Ijaz Anwar questioned the utility of the facility, stating, “If you’ve built it, make it functional too.”

The advocate general further said that the government was in the process of establishing a KP Lawyers Academy, which would be presented for cabinet approval. To this, Justice Anwar suggested that instead of creating a separate academy, the government should consider collaborating with the existing Judicial Academy, saying such a move could be more cost-effective and efficient.

He noted, “The prosecution is a key pillar of the justice system. Amnesty International’s reports often highlight the shortcomings of the police and prosecution, and these ultimately reflect poorly on the judiciary.”