Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 protest in the federal capital, issuing a series of directions to federal and provincial authorities.
A larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the decision on a petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed, who argued that the planned protest could disrupt routine life, traffic and business activities in Islamabad.
The court ruled that no political party or public office holder has the authority to block roads, highways or other public places, stressing that political parties and their leaders have no legal right to obstruct citizens’ freedom of movement.
The IHC directed provincial chief ministers to ensure that government machinery and other public resources are not used for political protests, marches, processions or rallies.
Chief ministers were also instructed to ensure that government funds, official vehicles, machinery or other state equipment are not deployed for political demonstrations and that no government employee is compelled to participate in a protest.
The court directed the Islamabad administration and Ministry of Interior to safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights during political activities in the capital.
Chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of the provinces were ordered to ensure compliance with the directions.
The IHC also issued instructions to the federal interior secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and inspector general of police to ensure implementation of the ruling.