PHC adjourns hearing on security situation in KP

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has postponed the hearing into a writ petition regarding the security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the protection provided to the judiciary, bar rooms, and judicial officers.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 19, following the submission of responses from the provincial and federal governments. The case was reviewed by a two-judge bench consisting of Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah.

Petitioner Sadiq Ali Momand, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah, and Additional Advocate General Mohammad Inam Yousafzai represented the parties in court.The petitioner expressed concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, noting that courts and staff from two southern districts had to be relocated to Dera Ismail Khan. He highlighted the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of judicial officers and bar rooms. Notices had previously been issued to both federal and provincial authorities.

During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah confirmed that comments from the federal government had been submitted. However, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the government’s response lacked substantial measures. Sanaullah explained that meetings had been conducted, highlighting the need to update the security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established in 2018.

PHC Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim inquired about the provincial government’s response. Additional Advocate General Mohammad Inam Yousafzai assured the court that comments had been submitted, though there was an issue with the file. The chief justice instructed him to ensure all necessary documentation is in order for the next hearing. The bench then adjourned the case until November 19.