The Peshawar High Court has issued a four-page written verdict regarding the applications filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders seeking protective bail.
The court’s decision recommends the formation of a larger bench to hear such cases, following a suggestion by the Federal Prosecutor General.
According to the verdict, the Federal Prosecutor General argued that applicants repeatedly approach the courts for the same type of relief, which constitutes an abuse of the judicial process. The decision also highlighted instances where PTI leader Asad Qaiser failed to appear before the relevant courts despite being granted protective bail.
The court noted that some applicants remain on bail for extended periods without participating in ongoing investigations, which violates legal requirements. Furthermore, the Federal Prosecutor General pointed out the absence of a uniform policy in courts regarding the grant of protective or transit bail, which conflicts with Supreme Court directives.
In light of these concerns, the Peshawar High Court has directed the Chief Justice to constitute a larger bench to examine protective bail cases. The court also ordered the Federal Prosecutor General to provide complete details of all cases filed against the applicants within seven days.
The verdict emphasized that judicial relief must not be misused for protests or activities against the state. Applicants were strictly warned to utilize court orders only within the legal framework, failing which they would face strict legal consequences.