SC rejects plea against PAT, PTI sit-in protests
Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri submit their written response in Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) — The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday rejected the plea filed against Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri s sit-in protests outside the parliament, Dunya News reported. In response to the notices issued to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri seeking court’s direction to restrain from trespassing prohibited zones, both political leaders have submitted their response in Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday.
Imran Khan’s response
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan’s counsel Hamid Khan has submitted his response in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on behalf of Imran Khan pertaining to the ongoing case of extra constitutional steps against him. According to the response, Imran Khan doesn’t support any unconstitutional or extra-constitutional steps to derail democracy in the country. He, however, stated that he fully respects the supremacy of constitution and rule of law. According to Imran Khan, it’s the right of every citizen to protest as per the constitution of Pakistan. He further argued in his written response to the Supreme Court that PTI’s protests are peaceful. He assured that PTI workers will remain peaceful and will not violate any laws. He also stated that none of the PTI activists would try to enter any buildings in the Red Zone area of Islamabad which houses the Constitution Avenue and foreign missions. Red zone area in federal capital Islamabad has been sealed for all kinds of traffic and pedestrians, hindering the day to day activities of the citizens, Imran said. Containers placed in the city to block routes are, in fact, causing trouble to many; the court is, therefore, request to order the concerned bodies to remove containers for the ease of people.
Tahirul Qadri’s response
Tahirul Qadri also submitted his written response in the Supreme Court in response to the issue served by the Supreme Court against the sit-in protest outside the Parliament house. Qadri stated that the court should not interfere in political issues. He said that millions of people are raising voice for their basic rights, adding that their protest is also within the boundaries of constitution and in line with international practices. He further said that interference in political matters can prove to be harmful for judiciary.
Thousands of followers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chairman Tahir-ul-Qadri have been demonstrating outside the parliament building in Islamabad, trying to force Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from office.
The case hearing has been adjourned till August 25.
Earlier, a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk heard the petition pertaining to extra-constitutional steps against Khan and Qadri.
PTI s lawyer Hamid Khan appeared in court, however, no PAT representative appeared despite the apex court’s notice.
Imran Khan s counsel Hamid Khan said they received notices late night and copy of the petition was not provided as yet.
Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk told him that people are facing hardships while accessing the Supreme Court and other offices on the Constitution Avenue. Even, lawyers and litigants have been facing problems as protesters are also sitting outside the Supreme Court.
Hamid Khan said PTI has not blocked any government building or state institution as the party opposes extra-constitutional steps.
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that protestors should not step back an inch from their demands but they should take their steps back few feet away from the Constitution Avenue.
Chief Justice of Pakistan said that court has nothing to do with political issues. It is government’s responsibility to handle administrative issues, thus, no order can be given.
Later, the court issued another notice to Tahirul Qadri and ordered PTI counsel Hamid Khan to submit a written reply till tomorrow.
