PHC Restrains KP Government from Using State Machinery for Political Activities
Court Rules Use of Public Resources for Politics Violates Constitution
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has barred the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government from using state machinery for political purposes. The decision came after a petition highlighted the alleged use of official staff, vehicles, and equipment during political events and rallies. The court declared that the practice violates Articles 4, 5, and 25 of the Constitution, which safeguard equality, fairness, and lawful conduct by government authorities.
According to the PHC’s written order, the provincial government must draw a clear line between official administrative functions and political activities. The bench noted that public funds and government tools cannot support rallies, marches, or any events held for political gain. The court stressed that state resources belong to the public and must not serve partisan interests.
Petitioner Claims Widespread Use of Government Employees in Political Events
The plea before the PHC stated that provincial employees and government departments routinely contribute to political gatherings. The petitioner claimed that several pieces of equipment, previously used during large-scale protests, remain under government control and continue to appear in political events. These allegations raised concerns about the misuse of authority and the unequal distribution of administrative resources.
The court agreed that such actions undermine transparency. It stated that political leadership must avoid practices that could influence public perception with publicly funded tools. The ruling emphasized the responsibility of the provincial government to uphold neutrality while managing state institutions.
Federal Concerns Over Political Use of State Machinery
The federal government had also voiced concerns over similar practices ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 2024. The Ministry of Interior issued a directive to the KP chief secretary, instructing him to ensure that government vehicles, officials, and finances were not used to support political activities. The letter highlighted the need for accountability and the prevention of administrative bias.
The PHC ruling reinforces these concerns and offers legal clarity on the matter. The decision aims to promote transparent governance and prevent the exploitation of public resources for partisan objectives.
A Move Toward Responsible Governance
The PHC order is expected to influence how provincial governments manage political events in the future. The decision sends a strong message that state machinery cannot fuel political campaigns. By enforcing constitutional boundaries, the court hopes to safeguard public funds and restore trust in administrative processes.
The ruling also highlights the importance of separating political advocacy from government duties. This distinction is essential for fair governance and the protection of democratic norms.
