PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has delivered a verdict on unlawful gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enforcing a strict prohibition on political rallies, processions and meetings close to government offices.
In its decision the court stated that political events, such, as rallies or marches are forbidden on the grounds of government institutions. The verdict further bans these types of assemblies on the property of institutions government agencies or administrative offices.
The court highlighted that it is the duty of the authorities to guarantee the safeguarding of government assets and the correct utilization of these facilities. It also noted that the political exploitation of government property must be firmly prohibited, given that these establishments were created for defined objectives.
The documented verdict, spanning five pages was issued by Justice Sahibzada Asad Ullah. The judgment further stated that unrelated assemblies might damage the integrity of institutions. The court directed the officials in charge of various government institutions to guarantee that unrelated assemblies are stopped.
On the other hand, the attorney for the petitioner claimed that protesting at the locations of government and educational institutions is against Article 4 of the Constitution, which provides the right to be protected from illegal actions. Furthermore, the lawyer stated that unauthorized assemblies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been causing loud disturbances of official government functions and educational activities.
KP police chief directs immediate enforcement of PHC order
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed has directed all the concerned officers to implement the order of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) regarding the ban on using state resources in political activities.
According to the directive issued by the IGP office on Monday, all heads of the KP Police department are directed to implement the judgment of the Peshawar High Court. The PHC had issued an order barring the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police from using the state machinery in political activities.
The PHC, in its order, asked the authorities concerned to refrain from using the state resources, including vehicles, machinery, and personnel, for any political activity, including protests and rallies.
The recent move aims to enforce administrative neutrality within the provincial government. The court has instructed all provincial departments and police officials to implement this decision immediately.
In its written order, the court stated that using state resources for political activities violates the law, the Constitution, and public trust. Such actions are considered a misuse of authority and undermine judicial and administrative neutrality.
The court specified that no government vehicles, equipment, or personnel may be utilized for protests, long marches, or political events.
Following the ruling, the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police issued written instructions to all regional police officers, including the CCPO Peshawar, DPOs, and SPs, instructing them to ensure immediate and strict compliance with the court’s orders. A copy of the judgment was included with the notification.
Additionally, the DIG Security released a separate directive warning all police officials that they are not permitted to engage in any political activities outside of their official duties. Senior officers have been directed to monitor their subordinates to ensure that no one participates in political events or neglects their responsibilities.
The KP Police has instructed its entire force that no police official is allowed to join any political protest, rally, or long march as part of their official duties. The department emphasized that full and immediate compliance with the court order is mandatory.
