Peshawar High Court: Overview
The Peshawar High Court is the highest judicial authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Located in the provincial capital, Peshawar, it serves as the principal court for the region. The jurisdiction of the Peshawar High Court was extended to include the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) through a bill passed by Parliament, marking a significant reform that facilitated the merger of the tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Establishment
The Peshawar High Court was established in the early 20th century, coinciding with the formation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (then known as the North-West Frontier Province) on November 9, 1901. This was part of broader administrative reforms initiated by the British colonial government in India.
Jurisdiction
The Peshawar High Court has jurisdiction over the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, overseeing the appellate judicial processes for the region.
Location
- Principal Seat: Peshawar
- Circuit Benches: Abbottabad, Mingora, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Swat
The main seat of the Peshawar High Court is located in Peshawar, with additional circuit benches in Abbottabad, Mingora, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Swat to ensure comprehensive judicial access across the province.
Composition Method
Judges of the Peshawar High Court are appointed based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, ensuring the appointment of qualified and vetted judges.
Authorization
The Peshawar High Court operates under the authority of the Constitution of Pakistan, which defines its powers, structure, and functions, ensuring its legitimacy and operational framework.
Appeals
- Appeals to: Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Appeals from: District Courts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Peshawar High Court serves as an appellate court for decisions made by the district courts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its decisions can be further appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Number of Positions
The court comprises 20 judicial positions, including the Chief Justice and other judges, to effectively manage the caseload across the province.
Type of Tribunal
The Peshawar High Court functions as the highest appellate tribunal for the district judiciary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court
The current Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court is Ishtiaq Ibrahim, who has been serving since 15 April 2024. He oversees the court’s operations and ensures the delivery of justice within the province.
Website
The Peshawar High Court maintains an official website (peshawarhighcourt.gov.pk) where the public can access information regarding court proceedings, judgments, and other relevant details, promoting transparency and accessibility.