ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought responses from the interior secretary, communications secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and other officials over a petition challenging the closure of the Peshawar Motorway ahead of PTI’s planned long march towards Islamabad.
Justice Muhammad Asif heard the petition filed by Advocate Mian Shafqat Jan, who challenged the motorway closure and argued that it was unlawful in the absence of a formal notification, order or stated reason.
During the hearing, Justice Asif remarked that authorities could not “block Islamabad from either inside or outside”.
The petition comes after the IHC ruled on September 18 that restrictions linked to political protests cannot infringe citizens’ fundamental rights. In its 37-page judgment, the court said political parties have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and political dissent, while citizens are also entitled to rights including life, liberty, dignity, freedom of movement and business.
PTI had initially planned its long march for September 27 but later rescheduled it to October 4. The party has cited the detention of several leaders, elected representatives and supporters as among the developments surrounding the postponement.