ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s possible long march and protest on September 27, issuing directions to the relevant authorities.
A three-member larger bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced its reserved verdict, ruling that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to block roads in Islamabad.
The bench, comprising Justice Azam Khan and Justice Asif, heard the case.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik, the Prosecutor General, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the KP inspector general of police appeared before the court.
With the court’s special permission, videos of PTI protests held in 2022 and 2024 were also played in the courtroom.
During his arguments, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik said government machinery had been used during the 2022 protest, while cranes were used to remove barriers placed by the Islamabad administration to stop the march.
He said protesters had set fire to D-Chowk and caused widespread destruction, adding that a similar situation was witnessed in 2024 when Islamabad was allegedly attacked with full force.
The advocate general said PTI leaders had been making statements about “freedom or martyrdom”, which, according to him, did not reflect a peaceful gathering.
He argued that the long march appeared to have two main objectives: securing the release of a prisoner and bringing down the government. He termed both demands unconstitutional.
The Islamabad advocate general maintained that no protest could be held without permission from a magistrate, as the law requires an application to be submitted beforehand.
He urged the court to take preventive measures, saying the administration would not have the capacity to stop 2 million people if they marched towards Islamabad.
He said the authorities could impose Section 144 and make administrative arrangements but could neither open fire on their own citizens nor risk their lives.
Meanwhile, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister had been making speeches about bringing 4 million people to Islamabad.
He said that if such a protest over what he described as unconstitutional demands was not stopped and the court did not issue directions, the administration would be left with no option.
During the hearing, the court summoned the KP inspector general of police to the rostrum and directed him to read out the affidavit submitted by him.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar asked the IG whether he would stop and disperse protesters if an illegal or unconstitutional gathering took place.
The KP IG assured the court that he had submitted an affidavit in accordance with the court’s directions and that any illegal action or advance from the province would be stopped at all costs.
After the KP advocate general submitted a written report, the court reserved its verdict, which was later announced with directions and the petition was disposed of.