The Peshawar High Court has issued notices to the federal government, the Attorney General and other parties on PTI petitions challenging the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The court adjourned the hearing until November 10.
A bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Faheem Wali heard separate petitions filed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and advocate Salman Khan against the measures imposed in the province. Barrister Gohar had also requested an early hearing.
During the hearing, Barrister Gohar argued that emergency and governor’s rule had been imposed under the pretext of terrorism. He said PTI had always supported the federal government in the fight against terrorism.
He further claimed that 12 PTI members of the National Assembly and 14 members of the provincial assembly had been taken away. He also alleged that raids were being conducted at party members’ homes and that they were being harassed.
“We say Pakistan comes first. We are united, and this country belongs to us,” Gohar said, questioning why such measures were being taken against his party. He added that these actions were increasing public resentment.
Gohar also said deputy commissioners, district police officers and officials of the Advocate General’s Office had been transferred on October 11.
Advocate Salman Akram Raja argued that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the provincial assembly speaker and other lawmakers were being held in unlawful custody. He described the actions as unconstitutional and contrary to democracy.
Raja said the chief minister and the speaker could not be removed through such means. He asked the court to restore the provincial government and ensure the recovery of Sohail Afridi and the speaker.
He further argued that emergency and governor’s rule had been imposed without fulfilling the required legal conditions. According to Raja, emergency required a resolution from the provincial assembly, while governor’s rule required the provincial government to be unable to function.
He maintained that Sohail Afridi remained the provincial chief minister and that the provincial cabinet was still in place.
Justice Ijaz Anwar said the court would issue notices to the federal government, the Attorney General, the Advocate General and other relevant parties.
Raja also requested interim relief. The court said it would consider the request and issue an order.
The hearing was adjourned until November 10.
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