PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Saturday observed that government institutions appear to have failed to implement a larger bench’s judgment and directives in letter and spirit, noting that no meaningful progress had been made even after the passage of four months.
The court also remarked that the administration had failed to demonstrate seriousness and commitment, warning that public officials and government functionaries cannot be allowed to undermine the rule of law and weaken state institutions.
It cautioned that if effective and result-oriented measures were not taken, the court would be compelled to pass a strict order.
A two-member bench comprising PHC Chief Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Ijaz Khan issued a 13-page written order in a contempt of court petition concerning the implementation of the larger bench’s judgment.
During the proceedings, Chief Secretary (CS) Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ikramullah Khan, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, secretaries of various departments, Director General Prosecution Rafiq Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel, Additional Advocate General Naumanul Haq Kakakhel and others appeared before the court.
According to the order, the petitioner had filed a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with the larger bench’s judgments and directives relating to the criminal justice system. Notices were issued to the relevant authorities seeking explanations regarding the steps taken to implement the court’s orders.
During the proceedings, the CS submitted a supplementary report stating that implementation of the directives required the involvement and action of both the executive and the legislature. The report added that guidelines had been issued to all relevant stakeholders following the CS approval.
The government’s report stated that the establishment of a Forensic Science Laboratory in Peshawar was included in the agenda of the provincial cabinet meeting held on March 9 and was approved. NESPAK has prepared and submitted a PC-I for the project, with an estimated cost of Rs20 billion.
The report further stated that amendments relating to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) had been approved and a draft bill would be presented before the provincial assembly. It also said that a Witness Protection Board and Witness Protection Units would be established under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Witness Protection Act, 2021.
According to the report, a PC-I costing Rs550 million had been prepared to address shortcomings in various laws, with responsibility assigned to the relevant departments. It added that data related to an AI computer laboratory and other matters was also being preserved.
The government further informed the court that the police budget had been increased to improve performance and that efforts were underway to enhance the capacity of prosecutors. Despite financial constraints, the provincial government claimed it was taking measures to implement the larger bench’s directives and guidelines.
