The Supreme Court has banned the use of the word “sahib” with the titles of government officials.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard the bail application of the suspect in the murder of a 10-year-old child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during which the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa additional advocate general appeared in the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed its indignation over the quality of investigation by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa reprimanded the public prosecutor for calling a deputy superintendent of police “sir”.
The chief justice remarked that by saying “sir” they have spoiled the minds of everyone, adding that the official was only a DSP and that too ineligible.
The Supreme Court banned the use of the word “sahib” with the positions of officers in the order sheet, saying that the word used with the positions of officers negates the basis of achieving freedom. The word made public officials and employees above accountability.
The suspect in the case was granted bail by the Supreme Court, and it was said that the police did not conduct any investigation to determine those responsible for the child’s death. This is the best case to quote as an example of a poor investigation.
The CJP remarked that the worst investigation is done by the KP Police, while he also reprimanded the KP additional advocate general for gathering information from the investigating officer in court, and said that he considered the court room his office.
