- Court rules misuse of public resources for political rallies amounts to misconduct and abuse of authority
- Cites Constitutional Articles 4, 5, and 25 to ensure fairness and equality in resource use, stressing official vehicles and machinery must be used solely for public service
- Ban applies to protest rallies, long marches, and any partisan activities
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday imposed a “comprehensive ban on the use of government vehicles, machinery, and other official resources” by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for “personal or political purposes.”
The court ruled that deploying public resources for political activities constitutes “misconduct and abuse of authority,” emphasizing the need for impartial governance.
In its short order, the PHC observed that the use of official vehicles or manpower for political gatherings, protest rallies, or long marches violates public trust and undermines the principle of neutral administration. “This court is of the view that the use of official vehicles, machinery, or any other government resources for participation in, or facilitation of, political gatherings constitutes a blatant misuse of public property and authority,” the order stated.
The ruling underscored that public resources are procured and maintained from the public exchequer to perform official duties and provide services to citizens. Their diversion for political or extraneous purposes, whether directly or indirectly, undermines the sanctity of public office and erodes citizens’ confidence in the fairness and impartiality of governance.
Citing Articles 4 (right of individuals to be dealt with according to law), 5 (loyalty to the state), and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution, the PHC emphasized that no party or individual can use public resources “to the disadvantage of others.” The court further stressed that, in a democratic system governed by the rule of law, a strict separation must exist between official functions and political activities. “The use of government vehicles or personnel in political events conveys an impression of state endorsement or complicity in partisan matters, which is impermissible,” the order added.
The PHC directed the KP government to ensure that no official vehicle, machinery, or manpower under its control is deployed, used, or permitted for any protest, long march, rally, or political activity of any nature.
The ruling follows a petition filed last November against the KP government, then led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, alleging misuse of fire engines and heavy machinery during the PTI long march to Islamabad. The protest, held to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, reportedly involved clashes between supporters and police at D-Chowk, amid reports of tear gas shelling and the retreat of party leadership from the Red Zone.
Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal welcomed the PHC decision, calling it a safeguard against the misuse of public tax money and official machinery. Speaking to a private television channel, he emphasized that political parties should resolve differences through dialogue and not rely on state resources for partisan gains. “Pakistan Armed Forces are fighting the war on terror and sacrificing their lives for the motherland. The message must be that we are united to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” he said.
Mustafa Kamal described the PHC ruling as a positive step toward ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness in governance, reaffirming that public resources are meant to serve citizens, not political interests.
istanbul