ISLAMABAD – Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Wednesday expressed dismay over the government for shutting down the capital city during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests.
“You were supposed to restore law and order but instead you shut down all of Islamabad. You said everywhere in the media that you are not granting permission on the orders of the Islamabad High Court. The court had directed you to ensure the protection of the basic rights of citizens, business people, and protesters,”.
The CJ was hearing of the contempt of court petition filed by Islamabad’s traders against the PTI protest during Nov 24.
CJ Farooq further remarked, “I will also ask PTI why they violated court orders. The petitioner asked, “Why were our businesses shut down? What was our fault?,”.
He added, “You shut down Islamabad in such a way that even judges including myself couldn’t get through. I became a victim of my own order. I will also ask them what was the fault of ordinary citizens in the government’s conflict?,”.
During the hearing, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema, State Counsel Malik Abdul Rahman and others appeared in court.
State Counsel Malik Abdul Rahman informed the court that some reports had been received while others were still awaited.
CJ Farooq reprimanded the State Counsel, saying, “Is this the first time you have appeared before the court? You were supposed to give expert advice there,”.
The CJ adjourned the hearing until next week, and directed the Ministry of Interior to submit a detailed report.
