Peshawar High Court Bars Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government from Using Official Resources in Political Rallies and Protests

**Islamabad:** The Peshawar High Court has prohibited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government from using official vehicles, machinery, or staff for political gatherings, protests, long marches, or any political activities.

On November 14, Judge Sahibzada Asadullah delivered the verdict, issuing a four-page written order in response to a petition against the provincial government. The court emphasized that the use of any government resources during political activities is strictly forbidden.

The petitioner highlighted that in the past, the KP government had utilized official resources during rallies and million-man marches. The court directed the provincial government and other relevant parties to ensure that no state resources are employed in political events.

The ruling also stated that machinery previously used in protests is now under federal custody. Using government assets in political activities violates Articles 4, 5, and 25 of the Constitution. The court noted that such misuse of resources is tantamount to wastage of the national treasury and undermines government neutrality while contravening administrative principles.

Furthermore, the judgment clarified that employing state resources in political activities breaches codes of conduct and constitutes abuse of authority.

It is noteworthy that last November, PTI staged a march from across the country, including KP, toward Islamabad, during which Islamabad authorities seized official machinery belonging to the KP government.