Kashif Yousafzai
PESHAWAR: Civil courts have finally started functioning in tribal districts, the erstwhile Fata here on Monday.
For newly merged Mohmand district, the civil judiciary system started functioning In Shabqadar area of Charsadda where two Sessions judges and two civil judges have been appointed for hearing of cases.
Hundreds of civil and criminal cases were shifted from the office of Political Agent to Shabqadar courts.
Staff from different departments of Charsadda was deputed at Shabqadar courts.
In all, 28 judicial officers — seven district and sessions judges, seven senior civil judges and 14 additional sessions and districts judges — have been posted to seven merged tribal districts as members of district judiciary. Public prosecutors have also been appointed on peremptory basis.
Judge Shahid Khan has been appointed as district and sessions judge for district Khyber, Judge Nasruallah Khan for Bajaur, Judge Salahuddin for Kurram, Judge Kareem Arshad for South Waziristan, Judge Asghar Shah for Orakzai, Judge Asad Hameed for Mohmand and Judge Mamraz Khan has been appoint for North Waziristan.
For now, plaintiffs from tribal districts will have to visit their neighbouring district to file a case in a court of law. As the proper establishment of courts, including their buildings and chambers for counsels, cost funds worth billions of rupees, the appointed judges have started working on temporary basis in settled districts adjoining to the respective tribal districts.
On Thursday, Peshawar High Court registrar Khwaja Wajihuddin had said, “Initially, these judicial officers have to work in the settled districts adjoining tribal districts. With the passage of time and establishment of proper courts in tribal districts, they will start working in that region.”
He further mentioned that It is expected that Government would provide suitable places within newly merged districts where after the Courts shall be immediately shifted there.
He added in the statement that, the Registrar said in line with vision of honorable Chief Justice Mr. Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, who had directed to promptly establish system of administration of justice at newly merged districts as they were deprived ever since independence.
