SC issues written verdict on IHCBA's plea against govt decision to block PTI's march

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday issued written verdict on the petition filed by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) against the government’s decision to block roads to stop Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) "Azadi March".

The judgment was written by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial while Justice Yahya Afridi disagreed with the decision.

In his dissenting note, Justice Yahya Afridi wrote that contempt of court action should be taken against PTI chairman Imran Khan as evidence of contempt of court proceedings against the PTI chairman are present.

The written verdict stated that the leadership of the PTI and protesters had ended the protest following which all the highways had been reopened and there was no impediment to free movement.

The verdict said the purpose of filing the petition has been fulfilled and the petition of Islamabad High Court Bar Association is disposed of.

Meanwhile, the court also sought answers from the IG Police, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, DG IB and DG ISI, Secretary Home Ministry within a week.

Nevertheless, there remains the lurking question of whether the responsibility for the events of yesterday evening comprising reckless acts of mob anger can be blamed upon the senior leadership of the PTI, the top court said.

"So far there is no evidence or allegation that such acts were committed on the instigation of any party or happened randomly. At its most elementary level, the PTI leader appears to have assured the holding of a political rally at the G-9/H-9 ground and therefore not to assemble and sit in another venue including at D-Chowk in G-5 Islamabad."

Read complete judgement