Peshawar High Court Chief Justice S.M. Attique Shah has expressed serious concern over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, observing that the province of 40 million people is “burning” and there is no one to take notice.
The remarks came during the hearing of a contempt of court petition against the non-implementation of a larger bench’s judgment regarding flaws in the criminal justice system. The case was heard by Chief Justice S.M. Attique Shah and Justice Ijaz Khan.
During the hearing, the chief secretary, advocate general and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa home secretary appeared before the court.
Addressing the chief secretary, the chief justice asked why the larger bench’s decision had not been implemented. He observed that the report submitted by the authorities contained nothing substantial, adding that the court had directed steps to strengthen the prosecution system.
Chief Justice Shah remarked that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a province of 40 million people and was facing a serious crisis. He said the southern districts were burning due to terrorism, and it had become impossible to travel to areas such as Dera Ismail Khan, Karak and Tank. He added that he himself had planned to visit Dera Ismail Khan but could not do so because of security concerns.
The chief justice told the chief secretary that he was a senior officer of the province and should know what was happening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He observed that officers of the prosecution department were not going to backward districts, questioning why other officers could not perform duties there when a female judge could serve in those areas.
The chief justice also expressed concern over the lack of DNA testing facilities in the province. He remarked that it was shameful that DNA samples from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being sent to Lahore, adding that each DNA test cost Rs1.1 million while the province had no laboratory for such tests.
He said people were facing difficulties and directed the authorities to take steps to reduce their problems. The chief justice warned that if anyone was not performing their duty, the court would order action against them.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah told the court that he should be given two to three weeks and that he would personally look into the matter. He said a report had been prepared and would also be shared with the court.
In response, the chief justice granted one month and directed that officers who were not working should be removed, while competent officers should be appointed. He also said that if there was any political interference, the court should be informed.
The court later adjourned further hearing of the petition until July 1.
