Peshawar High Court Directives on Political Figures

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a directive to the federal government and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to provide their comments within 7 days concerning the inclusion of Provincial Minister Arshad Ayub and former minister Taimour Salim Jaghra in the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). This decision came during the hearings of the respective cases of Arshad Ayub and Taimur Saleem Jhagra before different benches of the PHC.

Arshad Ayub's counsel argued for his removal from the PNIL, citing his status as a provincial minister facing travel restrictions. On the other hand, the court questioned Taimur Saleem Jhagra's inclusion in the PNIL despite being granted bail in three cases. The FIA requested additional time to respond, which was granted by the court. The PHC has set a deadline of 7 days for the submission of replies and postponed further hearings until May 21.

In a separate development, the PHC's divisional bench, headed by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, rejected a petition filed by Advisor to Chief Minister on Zakat and Ushr Mashal Azam Yusufzai concerning the alleged harassment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers at the PHC gate. The court observed that the circumstances have changed post-elections and questioned the rationale behind seeking relief from the court when PTI holds power in the province.

Furthermore, a two-member bench instructed the Pakistan Bar Council to address Mashal Azam Yusufzai's appeal against the suspension of his law license.

The recent directives and decisions by the Peshawar High Court highlight the ongoing legal proceedings involving prominent political figures and the administration of justice in the region. The court's emphasis on timely responses and adherence to legal protocols underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. These developments serve as a reminder of the critical role played by the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals involved in legal matters.