PESHAWAR – Justice Sahibzada Asadullah of the Peshawar High Court expressed frustration over the ongoing deadlock regarding oath-taking of members on reserved seats, stating that both sides were “playing games” while the people continued to suffer.
During the hearing of a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) seeking directions for administering oaths to newly elected members on reserved seats, the Peshawar High Court witnessed sharp observations from the bench.
Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, who headed the two-member bench alongside Justice Farah Jamshed, remarked, “Both sides have played too many games with each other. Meanwhile, the public continues to bear the consequences.”
He further admonished the political representatives by stating, “You keep playing with each other, but the people are being affected. Resolve your issues and start doing something in the public’s interest.”
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During the proceedings, Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel requested the court to refer the case to the Chief Justice, arguing that it fell under his jurisdiction. However, Justice Asadullah responded, “We cannot issue directions to the Chief Justice. If you believe he should hear the case, you may approach him directly.”
The speaker’s counsel, Advocate Alam Khan Adinzai, submitted his wakalatnama and sought time to prepare arguments, stating that the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly is a key party in the case.
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Advocate General also mentioned that the matter of reserved seats involving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) is currently under review by the Election Commission. In response, petitioner’s counsel Aamir Javed contended that the Election Commission had already issued its decision and letters had been sent to both the Chief Minister and Governor.
Justice Asadullah noted the administrative aspect of the case, suggesting, “If it is within the administrative domain of the Chief Justice, then let it proceed accordingly — but we will not abdicate our judicial role unless clarified legally.”
Before adjourning the hearing, the bench directed the parties to present all relevant records by the next hearing, scheduled for tomorrow.
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