PESHAWAR (Kamran Ali Shah): In a significant judicial intervention, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has officially declared the use of government employees, resources, and state machinery for political purposes as illegal.
In a comprehensive 28-page detailed written verdict, Justice Sahibzada Asadullah emphasised that the Chief Minister of the province serves as the constitutional guardian and protector of the public exchequer and its resources.
The ruling underscores that state authority must be exercised strictly within the boundaries of the law, noting that any instance of exceeding this authority constitutes both a legal and moral violation.
The court further clarified that all government resources and employees are exclusively intended for the welfare of the public and must be utilised in accordance with the procedures established by the Constitution. Justice Asadullah’s decision places a heavy responsibility on the provincial administration, specifically directing the Chief Secretary to ensure that all institutions operate within their legal mandate. The Chief Secretary has been tasked with guaranteeing that no government assets or personnel are diverted for political agendas or party meetings.
Additionally, the Peshawar High Court issued specific directives to the Inspector General (IG) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mandating that the police force must remain neutral and free from any political exploitation. The judgment serves as a stern reminder that state machinery belongs to the people, and its misappropriation for partisan interests undermines the constitutional framework. This landmark ruling is expected to set a new precedent for administrative accountability and the separation of state functions from political activities across the province.
