PHC Orders De-Sealing of KP Deputy Speaker’s Residence

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday issued directives to de-seal the residence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi and restrained police from arresting her under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO). A bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Mohammad Faheem Wali heard a petition filed by Suriya Bibi, who challenged a police raid on her government-allotted residence, its subsequent sealing, and the threat of her arrest. Her counsel argued that the authorities raided and sealed the house on October 14, following the imposition of an emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province on October 11, asserting that the residence could not be lawfully sealed even during an emergency. The court suspended the sealing notification, ordered immediate restoration of access to the premises, and sought replies from the chief secretary, inspector general of police, and other respondents before the next hearing. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual liberties and property rights even amidst emergency declarations.