Supreme Court of Pakistan bans politicians' self-promotion on projects

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has made a significant ruling that prohibits politicians from displaying plaques with their names on development projects. This ruling comes as a response to a case regarding the expansion of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's development fund, emphasizing adherence to the law and constitution.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, leading a two-member bench, have directed both federal and provincial governments to submit reports on the utilization of KP's development funds and the enforcement of the ban on memorial tablets within two weeks.

The court stressed the democratic nature of Pakistan, highlighting that the country is not a monarchy and its citizens should not be reliant on any individual. Criticizing political parties for misusing development funds for self-promotion, the court pointed out the detrimental impact on public resources.

Questioning the constitutionality of project expenditures without legislative approval, the court emphasized the importance of the assembly in authorizing fund allocations. Chief Justice Isa expressed concerns over the misuse of funds for luxury purchases and the naming of projects after politicians rather than national figures.

Furthermore, the court has instructed the government's legal counsel to comply with a previous order and provide a report on the implementation of the recent ruling within 15 days. This action stems from Justice Qazi Faez Isa's initiative in 2021 to address the diversion of funds by politicians for personal gain.

The Supreme Court's ruling serves as a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of development funds. By prohibiting politicians from using public projects for self-promotion, the court upholds the principles of democracy and fiscal responsibility. This decision underscores the importance of prioritizing public welfare over individual interests, setting a precedent for ethical governance and equitable resource distribution.