CJ warns CTD with contempt over harassment

Says department cannot be allowed to harass public in future

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim has suggested that a contempt of court petition be filed against the Counter Terrorism Department if it continues harassing the general public. He urged the police to adopt a friendly approach at their stations instead of intimidating citizens.

"We should provide facilities to the public instead of causing them inconveniences. All institutions exist to serve the people. If the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is engaging in such actions under the current government, what can be done?" he asked.

He added that if the CTD harasses citizens again, a contempt of court petition should be filed against the department. Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim made these remarks during the hearing of cases concerning 14 missing persons.

The petitioners' lawyers appeared before the court, while Deputy Attorney General Ubaidullah Anwar, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa additional advocate general represented the federation.

During the hearing, the Deputy Attorney General submitted reports in two cases. The lawyer of petitioner Burhan informed the court that his client, who is from the Khyber district, was taken by the police from in front of his home in 2023. He added that a video was filed by a companion of the missing Burhan.

"The companion wishes to present the video in court, but the police are now threatening them," the lawyer said. Addressing the additional advocate general, the chief justice expressed concern, stating that despite the government being of PTI, people are being harassed.

The AAG mentioned that petitioners could file complaints on the relevant forums, to which the CJ responded that if the police and CTD continue such actions under this government, a contempt of court application should be submitted.

He emphasised officials are paid from taxpayers' money and must serve the public rather than harass them, "I am the Chief Justice for the public, and all institutions exist for the people." He advised the police to maintain a friendly attitude in police stations, so citizens do not fear them.

The court ordered the petitioner to present videos at the next hearing and issued notices to the provincial and federal governments to respond in 12 cases of missing persons.

The Peshawar High Court has summoned the director of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPKUMA) and the executive cantonment officer of the Peshawar Cantonment Board to appear at the next hearing on a petition challenging the failure to start the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service from Stadium Chowk in Saddar to Pishtakhara, despite a government notification.

A two-member bench, comprising Justices Shakeel Ahmad and Sahibzada Asadullah, heard the petition filed by Jamil Akhtar Khan and others. Advocate Muhammad Salman Ali and Barrister Rahat Ali Khan Naheqi appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

The court was informed that the provincial government had issued a notification on May 3, 2018, stating that the BRT service would be initiated from Stadium Chowk in Saddar to Pushtakhara. However, several years have passed, and the service has still not begun.

Justice Shakeel Ahmad noted that the BRT service should also be operational on Khyber Road, as most offices, courts, and schools are located along this route. The court adjourned the hearing to November 12, ordering the KPKUMA director and the executive cantonment officer to be present for detailed arguments.

Meanwhile, the same bench PHC granted 20-day protective bail to Syed Masood Shah, the owner of BRT contractor Maqbool Sons.

Advocate Sadiq Ali Mohmand appeared on behalf of the petitioner, informing the court that his client, a contractor for BRT and an annual taxpayer of Rs5 billion, is facing multiple NAB cases in various cities.

"As he intends to face these cases in court, he seeks protective bail due to issued warrants against him." NAB's Special Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali informed the court that K-P NAB does not require him currently,