Karak Judicial Complex Funding Ordered by PHC

The construction of the Karak Judicial Complex has been a long-standing issue in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Initially approved in 2015, the project has faced numerous delays, leaving the local legal community and residents frustrated. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has now stepped in, ordering the provincial government to release the necessary funds for the complex's construction within a strict timeframe of 10 days.

On Tuesday, a two-member bench of the PHC, led by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Wiqar Ahmad, heard a petition from the District Bar Association Karak. The lawyers representing the association, Shahid Qayyum Khattak and Ahmad Farooq Khattak, highlighted the dire state of the project. They pointed out that while some construction had begun, it had deteriorated significantly due to a lack of maintenance and funding.

In 2020, the PHC had already directed the provincial government to allocate funds for the Karak Judicial Complex, but to date, no financial support has been provided. During the recent court proceedings, the chief justice expressed his concern over the government's inaction. When questioned about the delay in fund allocation, a government representative cited a stay order related to an umbrella scheme and block allocation as the reason for the hold-up. However, the chief justice clarified that this stay order was issued only three weeks ago and did not apply to the 2020 petition.

The court's firm stance on this matter underscores the importance of timely judicial infrastructure development in Pakistan. The chief justice emphasized that if the government had any objections to the court's previous orders, it should have pursued an appeal to the Supreme Court, which it failed to do. This lack of action has now led to a clear directive: the provincial government must release the required funds within 10 days or face further legal consequences.

The situation surrounding the Karak Judicial Complex serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in the development of judicial infrastructure in Pakistan. It highlights the need for accountability and timely action from government bodies to ensure that essential projects are completed. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the provincial government to see if it complies with the court's order. The completion of the Karak Judicial Complex is not just a matter of bricks and mortar; it represents a commitment to justice and the rule of law in the region.