Kundi welcomes PHC’s ban on govt resources being used for protests

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has welcomed the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) decision to ban the use of government resources for long marches and political protests, calling it a timely and much-needed step.

Governor Kundi said the ruling is “a good decision that should have been taken earlier,” insisting that political parties must conduct rallies and demonstrations using their own resources rather than relying on state machinery.

He added that court rulings must be fully implemented and expressed confidence that other courts across the country will also enforce similar measures to ensure transparency and fairness in political activities.

Earlier today, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also announced a cabinet’s decision that bars use of public money for anyone’s personal publicity.

PHC BARS USING STATE MACHINERY FOR NON-STATE ACTIVITIES

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a landmark ruling banning the use of government vehicles, machinery, staff, and resources in political rallies, meetings, protests, and long marches. The court stressed that public resources cannot be utilized for partisan activities under any circumstances.

In its detailed order, the PHC directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and all relevant authorities to ensure that no state machinery is deployed for political gatherings. The court emphasized that government vehicles and equipment are meant for public service, not political showmanship.

Referring to arguments raised by the petitioner, the court noted that using federal or provincial government machinery in political protests is a violation of Articles 4, 5, and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and define the limits of lawful state authority.

The bench stated that public resources do not belong to any one political party and their misuse represents a betrayal of public trust.

The PHC declared that the deployment of government officials for political purposes amounts to corruption, misuse of powers, and a violation of administrative principles.

It added that the use of rescue and fire brigade vehicles in political rallies constitutes “open malfeasance.”

The court issued clear directives to the provincial administration:

• No government vehicle, machinery, or staff may be used in any rally, protest, long march, or political event.
• The KP government must strictly prevent all officials from misusing government resources.
• The state must clearly differentiate between political events and official government activities.