PHC tells PTI to act in 'province's interest'

Court orders resolution to PTM issue

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PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court has directed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Azam Swati, and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser to play their roles in addressing the issue of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

This directive was given during the hearing of a writ petition challenging the federal government's decision to declare PTM a banned organisation, and include its leaders and members in the First Schedule and Schedule 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

During proceedings, Justice SM Atiq Shah asked the speaker, "You held a jirga on the PTM matter; what came of it? PTM members are also sons of this soil. When you speak about May 9 and November 26, you must also act for this land."

He noted that Punjab is establishing an IT university. "What are you doing for this province?" he asked in a rhetorical manner. "This province has been burning for 40 years. Address the PTM issue and contribute to this province."

The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah. Advocate Attaullah Kundi represented the petitioner. The court summoned K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser for their input.

Addressing the speakers, Justice SM Atiq Shah said that cases related to the PTM are pending before the court. "Speaker Sahib, you took a commendable step by initiating a jirga on this matter. As a son of this province, you have a responsibility to it. This province has suffered for decade," the judge said." Resolve the PTM issue and do something for this land," he ordered. "It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to support the youth. Universities are plagued by drug addiction, and the youth represent this province's future. Save them."

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati informed the court that the jirga was still active and efforts to resolve the issues were ongoing. PTI leader Asad Qaiser acknowledged the court's concerns and noted that legislation had been enacted to address drug-related issues.

However, Justice Shah stressed the importance of creating opportunities for the youth, such as establishing IT universities, and criticised the lack of similar initiatives in KP.

The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Attaullah Kundi, explained that PTM was formed in 2014 to advocate Pashtun rights. The movement, he added, aims to protect fundamental rights, uphold the rule of law, promote accountability, and address issues like extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances through peaceful means.

"Inspired by the non-violent philosophy of Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan), PTM opposes all forms of violence and seeks peaceful solutions to regional problems."

The lawyer continued that on October 6, the federal government issued a notification declaring PTM a banned organisation under Section 11-B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, alleging that the group was involved in anti-state activities and posed a threat to public order.

Bails granted

Separate benches of the Peshawar High Court have granted transit and protective bail to several prominent figures, including former President Arif Alvi, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Umar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Hasan Rauf, Shehram Tarakai, Shehryar Afridi, Sohail Afridi, Faisal Tarakai, Dawar Kundi, Aftab Alam, Sher Ali Arbab, Shandana Gulzar, Zahir Shah Toru, Fazal Mahmood, Junaid Akbar, and Iqbal Afridi.