ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition concerning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest in Islamabad on September 27, issuing a series of directions to federal and provincial authorities.
A larger bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the verdict.
The court ruled that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to block roads in Islamabad. It directed provincial chief ministers to ensure that government machinery was not used for political party protests and that no government employee was forced to participate in any demonstration.
The court observed that no political party or leader had a legal right to occupy roads, highways or other public places. It further held that political parties and their leaders could not obstruct citizens’ right to free movement.
The court directed provincial governments to prevent the use of official resources for marches, rallies or demonstrations. Chief ministers were ordered to ensure that government funds, officials, vehicles, machinery or other state resources were not used for such political activities.
The IHC also directed the Islamabad administration and the Ministry of Interior to ensure protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
The court instructed chief secretaries and inspectors general of police (IGPs) of the provinces to ensure implementation of its directions.
It also issued directions to the federal interior secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and Islamabad inspector general of police regarding the enforcement of the court’s orders.
The directions came as the PTI is expected to hold a protest in Islamabad on September 27.
Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march scheduled for September 27, after hearing arguments from all parties.
A IHC three-member larger bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Asif heard the case.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik, Prosecutor General, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and KP Inspector General of Police appeared before the court.
With the court’s special permission, the videos of PTI protests held in 2022 and 2024 were also played in the courtroom during the hearing.
Presenting arguments, Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik alleged that government machinery had been used during the 2022 protest and that protesters removed barriers erected by the Islamabad administration with the help of cranes.
He claimed that protesters set fire to property at D-Chowk and caused widespread destruction, alleging that a similar situation emerged during the 2024 protest when Islamabad was “attacked with full force”.
The advocate general said PTI leaders were making statements about “freedom or martyrdom”, which, in his view, did not indicate preparations for a peaceful gathering.
He argued that the proposed march appeared to have two primary objectives — the release of a prisoner and the removal of the government — and claimed that both demands were unconstitutional.
Malik further contended that no protest could be held without permission from the relevant magistrate, as the law required organisers to submit an application for permission.
He told the court that the administration would not have the capacity to deal with a gathering of two million people. He said the authorities could impose Section 144 and make administrative arrangements but could not open fire on citizens or risk taking their lives.
The counsel for the petitioner also argued that the KP chief minister had been publicly speaking about bringing four million people to Islamabad. He said the administration could be left with no option if such a protest over what he described as unconstitutional demands was not stopped and the court did not issue directions.
During the proceedings, the court summoned the KP inspector general to the rostrum and directed him to read the affidavit submitted by him.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar asked the IG whether he would stop and disperse protesters if an illegal or unconstitutional gathering took place.
The KP police chief assured the court that he had submitted his affidavit in accordance with the court’s directions and said any illegal action or advance from the province would be stopped.
After the KP Advocate General submitted a written report, the court reserved its verdict in the case.
