Pakistan: Peshawar HC Asks Transparency International for Evidence to Support Corruption Allegations

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan urged Transparency International (TI) to present supporting evidence for its recent report, wherein the judiciary was identified as the second most corrupt institution in the province.

Addressing a notice during the hearing, Chief Justice Khan directed TI board member Hashmat Habib Malik and its counsel, emphasizing that the organization had labeled the judiciary as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.

“If you do not possess evidence to substantiate this claim, your organization should retract this report,” remarked Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan.

In response, Mr. Hashmat Habib Malik informed the court that such reports were formulated based on public perception, and the organization itself was not responsible for generating such reports.

Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, however, requested details if any corruption was occurring in the high court and asserted that action would be taken against anyone involved in corruption.

Mr. Hashmat Habib Malik mentioned that they had shared the report with the registrar’s office, assuring clarity once the court reviewed it.

Nonetheless, Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan reiterated the call for evidence of corruption within the high court, emphasizing that action would be taken against both judges and administrative officers if implicated.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned until January 15, 2024.