PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought detailed recommendations from key stakeholders, including the provincial government, police, and prosecution departments, to identify flaws in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s criminal justice system (CJS) and propose solutions for its improvement.
Court Emphasizes Urgent Reforms
A larger bench led by Chief Justice S. M. Attique Shah, along with Justices Syed Arshad Ali, Sahibzada Asadullah, Mohammad Ijaz Khan, and Salahuddin, heard two public interest petitions highlighting loopholes in the CJS. The chief justice expressed serious concern, warning that “if the system is not corrected now, future generations will suffer.”
He remarked that weaknesses in the justice system allow criminals to escape punishment, which poses a grave threat to public safety and societal trust. The court vowed to issue a detailed order after reviewing reports and suggestions from all departments involved.
Stakeholders Present Reports and Challenges
During the hearing, officials including KP’s Additional Chief Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs, Abid Majeed, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and Director General of Prosecution Robin Haider Bokhari briefed the court on ongoing initiatives.
Abid Majeed informed that Rs16 billion had been allocated for merged districts and Rs6 billion more would soon be released. He also revealed plans to strengthen forensic labs and recruit more investigation officers, while suggesting a separation between police investigation and operations wings.
Justice Arshad Ali supported the idea, noting that administrative and financial independence for the investigation police could enhance performance. The IGP added that qualified officers had been posted in Peshawar, and new CTD recruitments would help boost conviction rates.
Court Highlights Accountability and Corruption Issues
The bench raised concerns over poor accountability and corruption within the system. Justice Asadullah highlighted discrepancies in narcotics case registers, which often led to acquittals. The finance secretary announced that Rs15 billion worth of new equipment was being procured for the police and that salaries and the Shuhada Package were also being increased.
Chief Justice Attique Shah concluded that all departments must take collective responsibility, emphasizing that “it is the poor who suffer most when justice fails.”
A Step Toward Justice Reform
The PHC’s initiative marks a significant move toward overhauling the criminal justice system in KP. With comprehensive reports expected soon, the court aims to establish a more transparent, accountable, and efficient framework to ensure justice for all citizens.
