IHC Bars PTI’s “Do-or-Die” Protest in Islamabad
The PTI faced a significant setback on Thursday, just days before its planned power show on November 24.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) dealt a significant setback to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday, November 21, by ruling that no protests or rallies violating public gathering regulations would be permitted over the weekend.
The development comes as IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of a petition filed by an Islamabad resident, seeking to have the protest call declared illegal. The petition also requested that the federal government, Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad district magistrate, and Islamabad police be directed to prevent PTI from holding the protest and ensure peace is maintained in the federal capital.
In a detailed five-page verdict, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq emphasized that protests often paralyze life in Islamabad, disrupting citizens’ daily routines.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has directed the authorities to form a committee, preferably headed by the Interior Minister, to engage with PTI leadership and address the sensitivities of the upcoming weekend, which includes a visit from Belarus’ president.
“This court was also informed that the president of Belarus with his delegation of more than 60 persons is arriving on Nov 24 and their protection and freedom of movement is of utmost importance and directly involve a relationship with another country, hence the larger public interest is involved.”
The court noted that PTI had not formally sought permission for the protest and stressed the government’s responsibility to maintain public order if negotiations fail.
“This Court was also informed that though there is some communication with the leadership of respondent No.5 [PTI] no formal engagement as such has been made.”
The former ruling party, for months, has been engaged in a political tug-of-war with the ruling coalition — which it alleges came into power via rigged February 8 polls — and has held multiple protests in the federal capital.
The government, meanwhile, has launched a crackdown on PTI workers and leaders to prevent mobilization
