PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has declared the use of government resources for political protests, rallies, and long marches illegal, and has directed the concerned authorities to completely stop such usage.
The petitioner argued that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and its subordinate departments were using rescue machinery, fire brigades, heavy equipment, official vehicles, and government personnel for political activities, which needed to be halted.
During the hearing, a list was presented showing government vehicles seized during protests in Islamabad, which were under the control of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
The court stated that using government vehicles, machinery, or other public resources in political gatherings constitutes a “clear misuse of public trust” and violates principles of transparency and accountability.
It further emphasized that public resources, funded by taxpayers, are meant for official duties and to provide citizens with services under the law—not for political purposes of any party or individual.
The court noted that diverting government resources for political activities undermines governmental neutrality, weakens the dignity of official positions, and erodes public trust.
Unauthorised use of government vehicles and machinery falls under corruption and misuse of authority under service rules and accountability laws, and every government employee is bound to follow the law under Articles 4, 5, and 25 of the Constitution.
The court disposed of the petition by directing all relevant authorities not to use or allow the use of any government vehicles, machinery, or personnel under their control for any protest, long march, rally, or political activity.
