Supreme Court Summons KP CM Over Formation of “Rihai Force”

The Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan has summoned Suhail Afridi to explain the formation of a controversial “Rihai Force.” The court has directed the Chief Minister to submit a response within 10 days and has also issued notices to the federal government for their input.

During proceedings, Justice Aminuddin Khan, presiding over a three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court, remarked that no special force should be created for convicted individuals. The court emphasized that the federal government must ensure the force is established in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The petitioner, represented by Ali Nawaz, presented documents regarding the Rihai Force and argued that Chief Minister Afridi had stated that the force would be deployed against criminals. The lawyer added that such a force could pose a threat to public safety, referencing a related decision by the Karachi High Court concerning law and order.

Justice Ali Baqar Najafi questioned whether the provincial cabinet had approved the formation of the force. The petitioner’s lawyer replied that no such approval had been given. The court adjourned the hearing and directed all parties to submit their responses within 10 days.