PHC detains witnesses for skipping testimony

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the detention of five government witnesses in lock-up until June 18 for failing to appear in court to testify.

Acting Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah issued the order during the hearing of a narcotics case, expressing serious dissatisfaction with the performance of the police investigation department.

In his remarks, Justice Atiq Shah stated that the court is not satisfied with the investigative standards of the police and emphasized that repeated failures to present witnesses undermine the principles of justice.

"Despite court orders, the non-appearance of witnesses for months delays justice," he said.

The acting chief justice observed that only three out of 100 cases are decided on merit due to lack of evidence. "As chief justice, I sit here to ensure justice for the people of this province. If the police cannot produce even five witnesses in two years, the system is clearly flawed," he added.

The hearing was related to a bail plea filed by a suspect involved in a drug case. Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmanzai appeared on behalf of the government, while several police officials, including Nowshera's Abdul Rasheed, were also present in court.

When asked about the absence of the Inspector General of Police—who had been summoned in person—Advocate General informed the court that the IG was engaged in a meeting.

The court expressed displeasure, stating that the police have made it a routine practice to ignore court directives and fail to present evidence and witnesses. "The court's repeated instructions have been disregarded," said Justice Shah.