Shah Durrani Khattak - A Professional Law Firm

20/08/2026

Our Senior Partner Ali Gohar Durrani speaks with Turkiye Times Pakistan on the issue of Kohat Cement Coal Power Plant.

20/08/2026

Advocate Ali Gohar Durrani appeared for the petitioners and said that the petitioners had earlier approached the high court seeking issuance of an appropriate order on the ground that, in the absence of a duly notified seniority list, any promotion based upon a joint seniority list of DDs and DEOs would be illegal, arbitrary, and without lawful authority.

He said that the said petition remained pending adjudication and was ultimately disposed of on Nov 19, 2025, after the court was apprised that a committee had been constituted by the competent authority to examine and resolve the controversy relating to seniority.

The counsel contended that while disposing of the petition, the court directed the respondents, including the KP government and secretary relief and rehabilitation, to withhold the process of promotion until the final determination of the issue by the committee.

He said that pursuant to the said directions, a compliance report was submitted before the high court on Feb 9, 2026, wherein it was specifically recommended that separate seniority lists be prepared and maintained for the posts of DEOs and DDs.

Mr Durrani said that the report also noted that implementation of the recommendations required approval from the competent administrative authority, so reasonable time was sought for completion of the process.

He argued that contrary to the assurances extended before this court and in disregard of the recommendations made by the committee, the matter was subsequently considered in the impugned meeting of the KPERC on June 3, 2026.

The lawyer contended that the council, while observing that the recommendations of the committee were inconsistent, simultaneously deliberated upon and approved amendments to Schedule-Il of the KP Emergency Rescue Service Regulations, 2015, providing for a joint seniority list of those officers.

He pointed out that the impugned meeting was attended by unauthorised personnel as the law specifically provided for representatives not below the rank of additional secretaries, whereas the meeting had been attended by deputy secretaries on behalf of the various departments.

Mr Durrani argued that the decision of the Council was self-contradictory and prima facie inconsistent with the earlier stance adopted before this court.

Declares Emergency Rescue Council meeting on the matter illegal

19/08/2026

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal issued a detailed order, directing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department to constitute a special team of experts. The court also ordered an assessment of the environmental impact of a proposed 50-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Kohat Cement Factory.

The bench observed that a clean and healthy environment was a fundamental right of every citizen. Ali Gohar Durrani advocate appeared on behalf of the petitioners.The court noted that concerns raised by local residents regarding potential health hazards caused by emissions from the factory did not appear to have been scientifically assessed by any government department.

It directed the Health Department to constitute a special team comprising specialist doctors, nurses, pathologists, environmental experts and relevant government officials. The team will conduct a physical survey of Babari Banda and adjoining areas, medically examine local residents and obtain relevant records from hospitals and healthcare centres.

The team was also directed to specifically assess respiratory, skin and other diseases prevalent in the area and determine whether there was any possible link between such illnesses and smoke and other emissions from the cement factory.

The court further directed the relevant authorities to inspect the cement manufacturing unit and determine whether it was complying with prescribed environmental standards. The inspection will also assess the availability, condition and maintenance of safeguards installed to control emissions and mitigate pollution.

Residents of Babari Banda and adjoining areas have complained for several years about dust and smoke emanating from the cement factory, maintaining that the emissions were adversely affecting public health and the local environment.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday ordered a modern scientific investigation into the possible adverse effects of emissions and other pollution from the cement factory on the health and...

15/07/2026

Alhamdulillah, today we celebrate eight years of Shah | Durrani | Khattak.

By the grace of Allah Almighty, we have completed another year of growth, learning, and service. We marked this milestone together, celebrating not only our journey but also the people who have made it possible.

A few of our team members could not make it for the group photograph, but they were certainly missed and remain an integral part of our team.

On this occasion, we also fondly remember Khyzar H. Khattak. Although he is now happily pursuing his own legal career, he continues to be an important part of the Shah | Durrani | Khattak family. Some bonds extend well beyond the workplace, and it is in moments like these that his presence is deeply felt.

To our clients, colleagues, friends, and everyone who has placed their trust in us over the past eight years—thank you. We look forward to continuing this journey with the same commitment to excellence, integrity, and service.

Alhamdulillah for eight years, and Insha'Allah, many more to come.

10/07/2026

The petitioners’ counsel, Ali Gohar Durrani, contended that the Kohat Cement Company was constructing a CPP on its premises to provide power to its industrial unit.

He stated that the plant was surrounded by residential areas and therefore, the construction of the coal power plant would not only have an adverse effect on the environment but also on the health of the residents in the locality.

He contended that the project had already commenced operations and was causing pollution beyond the permissible limits prescribed under the environmental laws.

The EPA’s deputy director Mumtaz Ali, submitted that in Jan 2026, a team of the EPA visited the Company’s premises and found that the coal power plant project was not operational but was still under construction.

He said that the Initial Environmental Examination’s approval had already been granted for the establishment of the coal power plant project but the plant couldn’t commence operations unless it obtains post-operational approval from the EPA.

He said that the company had not yet applied for post-operational approval, therefore, it followed that the plant is not operational.

Abidullah, lawyer for the company, couldn’t confirm whether the plant had commenced operations.

“Since the learned Deputy Director has categorically stated that no post-operational approval has been granted and therefore, respondent Kohat Cement Company is, prima facie, not legally authorised to operate the coal power plant project at the stage.

“Furthermore, as no inspection has been carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency since January 2026 to verify compliance with the prescribed environmental standards, the learned Deputy Director has proposed that the Agency is prepared to conduct a fresh inspection of the coal power plant in the presence of a representative of the petitioners,” the bench pointed out.

Advocate Durrani had expressed no objection to the proposal.

Earlier, Mr Durrani contended that the establishment of a coal power plant within 200 meters of a residential locality was contrary to public health and safety standards, and infringes the Petitioners’ right to protection of property and peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

He said that even prior to the coal plant, residents of Babri Banda were already facing alarming levels of health issues, including heart diseases, respiratory infections, skin conditions, and cancer related cases.

The lawyer claimed that the emissions discharged by cement and coal plants were hazardous and might have long lasting repercussions not only for human beings but also for the atmosphere.

Authorises Environmental Protection Agency to inspect plant, orders production of report in 15 days.

06/07/2026

As the Law Firm of Shah | Durrani | Khattak approaches its 8th Foundation Anniversary (July 15th), we take this opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the remarkable journey we have shared with the many individuals who have been part of our story.

Whether you have been associated with our firm as an intern, associate, client, or professional collaborator, your trust, support, and contributions have played an invaluable role in shaping who we are today.

As we celebrate this milestone, we would be honoured if you could share a few words about your experience with our firm. Your testimonial will not only commemorate our journey but will also inspire the next generation of legal professionals and reaffirm the values upon which our firm was founded.

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments or send us your testimonial directly. We look forward to hearing your stories and celebrating this milestone together.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Shah | Durrani | Khattak Law family. Here's to eight years of excellence, integrity, and service—and to many more ahead.

01/07/2026

Defence lawyer Ali Gohar Durrani argued that the ECP had disqualified Saeed from the Senate’s membership in March this year, and that it issued the by-poll schedule accordingly — in the same month. The counsel further argued that an election schedule once issued could not be withdrawn unless an electoral candidate dies.

ISLAMABAD: The electoral body has finally reserved its verdict in a case that remained pending for over two months,...

27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak everyone.

04/05/2026

Some of the excerpts from various dailies about the case of Mahmood Jan's Election Petition being held maintainable.

30/04/2026

The Career Fair titled “The Law in Practice” at Khyber Law College provided a focused platform for aspiring lawyers to engage with leading practitioners and members of the judiciary. The panel featuring Zia Ur Rehman (District & Sessions Judge; Secretary, Al Mizan Foundation), Atiq ur Rehman (District Public Prosecutor), Ali Gohar Durrani (Advocate Supreme Court), and Nida Khan (Advocate High Court), offered practical insights into legal careers, professional development, and the transition from academia to courtroom practice in Pakistan.