IHC directs authorities to designate special area for PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) instructed the federal government and local administration to designate a specific area for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to carry out their protest.

The directive was issued by Chief Justice Amir Farooq during a session that included Raja Hasan Akhtar, President of the Traders Welfare Association.

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Interior Secretary Khurram Agha and Chief Commissioner Islamabad were summoned to the court on short notice.

The Chief Justice expressed concern over the extensive restrictions imposed across the city, including the shutdown of mobile networks, which obstructed emergency communications. He told the authorities to to restore normalcy in Islamabad as soon as possible.

The Interior Secretary explained that the heightened security measures were due to the visit of a Malaysian Prime Minister and an impending Saudi delegation. He mentioned that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was arriving with substantial government resources, which had resulted in damage and unrest.

The CJ commented on the current tense situation in the city, comparing it to a war zone, and cautioned that any incidents could lead to accountability for the Ministry of Interior.

He inquired whether military assistance had been requested to support civil authorities and talked about the necessity of enforcing section 144 to maintain public order.

The court highlighted the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and protest, as outlined in articles 16 and 17.

It ordered the government to provide a designated space for protestors while ensuring that their activities do not pose a risk to public safety. The IHC CJ talked about the importance of balancing the rights of protestors with the safety of the general public.

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In a formal written order, the court mandated that effective measures be taken to uphold law and order in Islamabad.

The case is set for further proceedings on October 17.