The Islamabad High Court disposed of the petition concerning the PTI’s September 27 protest with specific directives. A larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, announced the verdict on the petition regarding the PTI’s planned protest in Islamabad on September 27.
The court said no political party or public office holder has the authority to block Islamabad’s roads. It directed provincial Chief Ministers to ensure that state machinery is not used for a political party’s protest and that no government employee is coerced into participating.
The Islamabad High Court observed that no political party or leader has a legal right to occupy roads, highways, or other public spaces, nor do they have the right to obstruct the free movement of citizens.
The court directed provincial governments not to allow the use of state resources for any march, procession, or rally. Chief Ministers were instructed to ensure that public funds or government officials are not utilized for the protest and that government vehicles, machinery, or other equipment are not employed for such events.
The court ordered the Islamabad administration and the Ministry of Interior to ensure the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights and directed Chief Secretaries and Inspectors General (IGs) to ensure compliance with the court’s instructions. Directives were also issued to the Federal Interior Secretary, the Chief Commissioner, and the IG of Islamabad.
