he Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan on Wednesday sought a response within ten days from Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while hearing a petition challenging the formation of a “Release Force.”
Release Force formation case: CM KP directed to submit reply
ISLAMABAD, Apr 01 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan on Wednesday sought a response within ten days from Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while hearing a petition challenging the formation of a “Release Force.”
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan heard the case and issued notices to the relevant authorities, directing them to submit a detailed explanation on the matter.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel submitted documentary evidence and argued that the formation of the Release Force was unlawful. He contended that although Sohail Afridi had himself stated that he was confronting criminal elements, the legal requirements for establishing such a force had not been fulfilled.
The counsel also referred to various articles concerning security threats and cited a clear judgment of the Sindh High Court regarding law and order, maintaining that the creation of such a force was not justified in light of that ruling.
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi questioned whether any approval had been granted by the cantonment authorities for forming such a force. The petitioner’s counsel responded that no such permission had been given.
The court observed that the federal government must ensure that no violations take place. At this point, Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan remarked that such a force should not be constituted for convicted individuals.
Subsequently, the court issued a notice to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, directing him to submit his reply within ten days, and adjourned further hearing of the case.
