Residents of Lower South Waziristan on Friday held a rally in Wana Bazaar to celebrate the introduction of video-link court facilities, describing the initiative as a landmark step towards providing affordable, timely and accessible justice to people in the remote district.
Rally Draws Diverse Participants
The rally drew tribal elders, community leaders, teachers, students, religious scholars, political figures, lawyers, traders, social activists and representatives of various unions. Participants marched from Aman Check Post to the main Wana Bazaar, distributed sweets and welcomed the launch of the new judicial facility, which they said would significantly improve access to justice for local residents.
ANP President Hails Seven-Year Struggle
Addressing the gathering, Awami National Party (ANP) South Waziristan President Ayaz Wazir said the introduction of the video-link judicial system was the result of seven years of sustained public struggle. “This is a historic day for our people. For the first time, residents of this remote district will be able to seek affordable and prompt justice without undertaking long and arduous journeys,” he said.
Calls for Additional Judicial Infrastructure
Ayaz Wazir urged the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court to establish a sub-jail and appoint both a civil judge and a Judicial Magistrate in Lower South Waziristan to enable residents, particularly those from remote and underprivileged communities, to benefit fully from the judicial system and exercise their constitutional rights. He also thanked the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court and judicial officers for facilitating the long-awaited initiative, saying their efforts had fulfilled a longstanding demand of the local population.
Bar Association President Highlights Travel Hardships
District Bar Association South Waziristan President Abdul Rehman Advocate also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the contributions of political leaders, the Wana Political Alliance, members of the legal fraternity and civil society in securing the establishment of the video-link court facility. He stressed the need to further strengthen the district’s judicial infrastructure through the establishment of a sub-jail and the appointment of the required judicial officers. He pointed out that although Wana serves as the headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, the district’s judicial offices are currently located in Tank, around 170 kilometres away, forcing litigants, lawyers and prisoners to undertake lengthy and costly travel.
Appeal for Permanent Judicial Offices
The participants appealed to the provincial government and the judiciary to expedite the establishment of permanent judicial offices and a sub-jail in Lower South Waziristan. They said an effective and accessible justice system was essential for strengthening the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights and enhancing public confidence in state institutions.
