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The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has prohibited government employees and official vehicles from participating in political rallies, protests, or long marches, declaring such use as “misconduct.” The ruling was issued by a two-judge bench of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal after hearing a petition filed by Jawad Ali.
The petition highlighted the misuse of state vehicles and public resources by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for political activities. It argued that taxpayer-funded assets were being diverted to support party agendas, burdening the public exchequer.
Justice Asadullah emphasized that
“all public institutions must remain within their constitutional boundaries. Public resources cannot serve political interests.”
The court directed administrative officers to ensure that no government vehicles, employees, or resources are used for political gatherings.
Representing the provincial government, the Assistant Advocate General claimed that any participation in rallies by government employees was personal, and the lists of vehicles were inaccurate. However, the court stressed that transparency and lawful conduct are essential in a democratic setup.
The judgment warns that violating this directive constitutes misconduct and may lead to serious consequences for officials involved. The PHC’s decision ensures that public resources in KP remain dedicated solely to public service, preventing future misuse during political events.
