DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Friday voiced serious concern over what he described as a deteriorating constitutional and judicial environment, urging the legal fraternity to take a principled stand to uphold the rule of law.
Addressing a Lawyers’ Jirga in Peshawar, the chief minister said the initiative to convene the gathering had come from members of the judiciary to facilitate a structured and lawful response to what he termed an “unconstitutional and irregular governance environment.”
He told participants that the legal community possessed both the capacity and institutional responsibility to defend constitutional supremacy, cautioning that failure to act could have long-term consequences for democratic freedoms and civil liberties.
Mr Afridi expressed concern over alleged non-compliance with judicial directives, citing an instance in which orders by judges of the Islamabad High Court permitting a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan were not implemented by jail authorities. He termed the matter a serious institutional issue, saying disregard for court orders undermined the credibility of the justice system.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights, the chief minister criticised what he described as erosion of due process. He also referred to the treatment of Mr Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, alleging prolonged isolation and restricted access to legal counsel and family.
While stressing adherence to constitutional and non-violent means, he called for lawful and democratic resistance to safeguard institutional integrity.
The chief minister further noted that a scheduled meeting with a judge of the Islamabad High Court did not materialise despite a prolonged wait, terming it indicative of broader systemic challenges within the justice system.
He warned that selective application of laws and targeting of a single political entity could set a wider precedent for the political system. He also expressed concern over reports of lawyers being tried in military courts, saying such developments placed an added responsibility on the legal community.
Mr Afridi urged lawyers to ensure transparency and due process in upcoming hearings related to Mr Khan and Ms Bibi on April 22. He announced that a Lawyers’ Jirga would be held in Karachi on April 27 to determine a future course of action.
He added that if no progress was made towards ensuring fair trials by May 5, a nationwide pen-down strike would be observed on May 6 as a peaceful protest.
The chief minister said the strong participation in the Peshawar jirga had sent a “clear and consequential message,” expressing confidence that the movement for constitutional supremacy would gain momentum.
Also addressing the gathering, Salman Akram Raja and other speakers reiterated their commitment to upholding the Constitution, ending coercive practices, and ensuring access to justice. The event concluded with joint resolutions calling for collective efforts to strengthen the rule of law and democratic norms.
