PHC seeks replies over PTI’s judicial commission plea

Federal and provincial govt asked to respond aganst request for judicial commission to probe May 9 events

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has once again requisitioned responses from both federal and provincial governments in response to a PTI plea advocating for the establishment of a judicial commission. This commission would be tasked with investigating the events unfolding on May 9 and May 10, subsequent to the apprehension of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A division bench of the PHC, comprising Justice Shahid Khan and Justice Khurshid Iqbal, resumed the hearing on Monday, with the petition presented through the representation of advocate Shah Faisal Utmankhel.

Utmankhel conveyed to the court the intentions of his clients, who are seeking an impartial and transparent inquiry into the episodes of vandalism that transpired on the specified dates.

He underscored the necessity for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to be formed under the supervision of PHC judges. This JIT would be tasked with unraveling the truth behind the incidents, ascertaining accountability, and administering appropriate penalties to those implicated in the acts of vandalism.

During the previous hearing, the court had solicited a response from the provincial government, which is yet to be submitted.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2023.