PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued instructions barring government officials, vehicles, machinery, public funds and other state resources from being used for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards Islamabad, in compliance with directions issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The instructions come ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 march to Islamabad. The party has announced the protest as part of its campaign seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
According to an office memorandum issued by the KP chief secretary, relevant government officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the court’s orders.
The memorandum states that no government officer will assist or facilitate a march, rally or procession towards Islamabad through the use of official authority or resources.
Officials have also been instructed to immediately inform the chief secretary or the inspector general of police if they are directed or pressured to participate in or facilitate the march.
The instructions prohibit the use of official vehicles, machinery, equipment, public funds and other government resources for the political mobilisation.
IHC order forms basis of instructions
The provincial directives follow an Islamabad High Court ruling concerning the planned September 27 protest.
The IHC directed the chief ministers of all provinces to ensure that government resources and official machinery were not used for the march. The court also addressed the protection of public access to roads, educational institutions and medical facilities.
In its detailed order, the court said political activity could not be conducted in a manner that unlawfully obstructed public roads or interfered with citizens’ fundamental rights. It also directed authorities to establish a mechanism through which government employees could report pressure to participate in political activities. (Dunya News)
The KP government’s memorandum states that a march or rally should not be facilitated in circumstances where it could affect free movement in Islamabad or disrupt commercial activities or access to educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
Officials violating the instructions could face departmental proceedings in accordance with applicable rules, according to the memorandum.
A helpline — 091-9210068 — has also been provided for reporting any relevant incident, obstruction or alleged pressure on government employees.
Earlier proceedings before the IHC included undertakings concerning the non-use of government machinery. The KP chief secretary had assured the court that government resources would not be used for political gatherings, while the provincial police chief also gave an undertaking concerning action against unlawful activities.