PHC orders security overhaul for KP judges amid rising threats

According to a circular issued by the Additional Registrar (Admin), Peshawar High Court, on September 19, 2026, under Letter No. 881-910/Admin

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has introduced enhanced security measures for judges and court staff across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, directing the district judiciary to take additional precautions amid the province’s precarious law and order situation.

According to a circular issued by the Additional Registrar (Admin), Peshawar High Court, on September 19, 2026, under Letter No. 881-910/Admin, the Chief Justice directed authorities to ensure the safety and security of High Court judges, members of the district judiciary and court staff.

The circular calls for close monitoring of judges’ movements in coordination with the concerned Regional Police Officers (RPOs), while directing relevant authorities to adopt all necessary measures to protect judicial officers and employees.

In a notable security precaution, judges have also been directed not to display green number plates on their vehicles. The authorities have further been advised to stagger the timings for judges joining and leaving their offices to reduce predictable movement patterns.

The directives have been communicated to all District and Sessions Judges across KP, Ex-Cadre Judges and Additional Registrars of the Peshawar High Court benches, with instructions to ensure strict compliance.

Copies of the circular have also been sent to the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inspector General of Police KP, principal officers of the Peshawar High Court and all Regional Police Officers in the province.

The measures, particularly the direction concerning green number plates and staggered office timings, underscore the heightened security precautions being adopted for members of the judiciary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.