PESHAWAR:Chief Justice, Peshawar High Court, Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan on Monday inaugurated state of the art and fully equipped Courts of Anti-Terrorism in Mardan.
The project is not only unique but the first of its kind in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the courts are equipped with advanced and up-to-date technology to enable the trial under terrorism law to be conducted according to the international norms, according to a press release.
During the inaugural speech, the Chief Justice said, “Terrorism has worst affected the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in terms of slowing down the economic progress, disrupting social structure, and bringing damage to the politics of the province. Loss in terms of sacred lives and infrastructure have been unimaginable”. He added that “it is our duty, as the guardians of justice, to protect our people and preserve the fundamental principles upon which our society is built”.
These specialized courts will serve as a bastion of justice and a beacon of hope for all those affected by the aftermath of terrorism. These will also be a place where the lives lost in acts of terror will not be forgotten, and where the survivors will find solace, healing, and closure.
To ensure fairness, impartiality, and efficiency, these courts consist of highly skilled judges, prosecutors, and experts in the field of counter-terrorism.
Moreover, they are also equipped with the necessary resources, training, and support to carry out their sacred duty of delivering justice.
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is not solely the responsibility of the judiciary but it requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving all branches of government, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and the public at large”.
He thus underscored that all these agencies must perform collectively to dismantle the networks that perpetrate these heinous acts, disrupt their financing, and counter the extremist ideologies that fuel their actions.
Thereafter, the Central Prison, Mardan was also visited comprehensively wherein, he not only examined and interviewed the inmates but also had a look at the entire prison’s building.
He directed the district and sessions judges to expedite the trials of juveniles and females besides, those prisoners who are involved in petty nature offences.
The District and Sessions, Judges Mardan, Nowshera and Charsadda were specifically ordered to take concrete steps and share their report whereas, the Superintendent Jail was directed to share the particulars of inmates immediately with the former.
It was also directed that the district and sessions Judges will conduct regular unscheduled visits to the Jail. At the end, he extended thanks to all and reiterated that the district and sessions Judges shall not only keep a vigilant eye over the inmates but also closely monitor the affairs of jails. Compliance was assured in letter and spirit.