Over 100 security check-posts, barriers removed in K-P on top court's directives

SC had ordered that all obstacles, erected by the military or civilian administration, be removed within 48 hours

PESHAWAR: Days after Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar ordered removal of check posts and other obstacles from the roads in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, local authorities dismantled nearly 100 check-posts and barriers at several spots of the province on Monday.

Police removed barriers from at least eight places inside Peshawar cantonment area to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Authorities remove barriers in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Director Public Relations K-P police Waqar Khan said the move came after orders handed out by the senior superintendent police (SSP) Operations.

Authorities remove barriers in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

He added that barriers on at least five spots deemed sensitive, including the office of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), were kept intact due to security concerns.

Authorities remove barriers in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

The SSP further said the top court’s order came to provide relief to public who faced issues in commuting. However, many roads outside the cantonment area continue to remain closed.

Authorities remove barriers in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

At least 67 check-posts were removed in rural areas, six from the highway. Additionally, three Frontier Corps and police check-posts and 24 joint check-posts were also removed.

In total, 34 barriers were removed in Peshawar, 11 in Dera Ismail Khan, nine in Charsadda, eight in Chitral and Hangu.

Authorities remove barriers in Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

On May 10, while heading a two-judge bench of the apex court comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the CJP had passed the order on an application filed by senior lawyer Khurshid Khan.



Before the removal of barriers. PHOTO: EXPRESS

“All the obstacles and hurdles either erected by the military or civilian administration shall be removed within 48 hours,” Justice Nisar had said.



After the removal of barriers. PHOTO: EXPRESS

He also ordered the Intelligence Bureau, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the civilian administration that only absolutely important check-posts should remain, that too, with the permission of the court.

PHOTO: EXPRESSIn his application, advocate Khurshid had submitted that the roads in Peshawar were already in a terrible condition due to the construction of BRT, asking the court to order opening of all the closed roads.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

He also stated the Iranian and the US consulates had blocked two roads in University Town while the roads in Cantonment areas had been blocked for the common man on the pretext of security.