Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Criticizes Poor Security In KP

Islamabad:(Web Desk) The Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, SM Atiq Shah, has expressed serious concern over the worsening law and order situation, weak prosecution mechanisms, and shortcomings in the criminal justice system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that the province of over 40 million people is “burning” while accountability remains lacking.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Ijaz Khan heard a contempt petition regarding non-implementation of a larger bench’s earlier decision. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Advocate General, and the Home Secretary, appeared before the court during the proceedings.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice reprimanded the Chief Secretary over the failure to implement court directives aimed at strengthening the prosecution system. He noted that the compliance report submitted showed little to no meaningful progress despite clear judicial instructions.

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The Chief Justice further highlighted the deteriorating security situation in southern districts of the province, including Dera Ismail Khan, Karak, and Tank District, stating that conditions have become so severe that travel to these areas has become difficult even for officials.

He also remarked that he personally wished to visit Dera Ismail Khan but was unable to do so due to security concerns, questioning why officers avoid postings in sensitive regions when others, including women judges, continue to serve in challenging areas.

The Chief Justice further criticized the absence of forensic infrastructure in the province, particularly the lack of a local DNA testing facility. He termed it “shameful” that samples are sent to Lahore for analysis, with costs reaching around Rs1.1 million per test, despite the province’s large population and security challenges.

The court directed authorities to take immediate corrective measures to reduce public hardship, warning of action against negligent officials if improvements are not made. The Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah, assured the bench that he would personally review the matter and submit a comprehensive report within a few weeks.

The court granted a one-month deadline to relevant departments to improve performance, including replacing underperforming officers with competent officials. The hearing was adjourned until July 1.