PHC Chief Justice expresses dismay over security situation in KP, weaknesses in prosecution

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah has expressed dismay over the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the shortcomings in the criminal justice system and the weaknesses in the prosecution system, saying that the province of 40 million people was burning but no one is questioning concerned authorities, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Ijaz Khan was hearing the contempt petition filed in the Peshawar High Court against the non-implementation of the larger bench decision. During the hearing, the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Advocate General and Secretary Home appeared in the court.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice grilled the Chief Secretary for not implementing the orders of the larger bench. He said that the court had given clear instructions to strengthen the prosecution system, but the report submitted did not show any significant progress.

PHC Chief Justice remarked that the southern districts were in the grip of terrorism and the situation is so bad that it has become difficult to even travel to areas like DI Khan, Karak and Tank districts.

CJP Justice Atiq Shah said that he himself wanted to go to DI Khan but could not travel due to security reasons. The Chief Justice said that when a woman judge can perform her duties in backward areas, why do other officers avoid going there?

Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah also expressed regret over the unavailability of DNA testing facilities and said that it is shameful to send DNA samples from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Lahore. He said that a DNA test costs about Rs 1.1 million while the province does not have its own laboratory yet.

He directed the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to reduce public suffering, otherwise the court will order action against the negligent officers. Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah assured the court that he would personally look into the matter and a full report would be submitted to the court in a few weeks.

Later, the court gave a one-month deadline to the relevant institutions and directed them to remove the officers who were performing poorly and appoint competent officers. The court adjourned the further hearing of the case till July 1.