PESHAWAR, Feb 2: The Peshawar High Court on Wednesday summoned a section officer of the provincial law department in three identical writ petitions challenging the institution-based practice (IBP) of doctors introduced in the province by the previous government.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Ijaz Afzal directed section officer concerned to appear in person and explain the status of a draft bill seeking abolition of the IBP.

In the last hearing held in Nov 2004, the NWFP government had informed the high court that the law banning the IBP would be enacted in near future. The court had been further informed that a bill had been drafted and it would be passed in the next session of the NWFP Assembly.

Through the IBP, the provincial government has banned private practice of doctors serving in government hospitals. The petitions have been filed by Dr Siddiqur Rehman, who heads a joint action committee of doctors.

Dr Hazratullah and Dr Said Alam Mehsud are other members of the committee. Advocate Qazi Muhammad Jamil appeared for Dr Siddiqur Rehman and Dr Hazratullah while advocate Fazal Illahi represented Dar Said Alam.

Qazi Jamil told the court that three months ago the government had promised that the IBP bill would be approved by the assembly but till today the bill had not even been tabled in the house.