PTI faces setback as IHC rules no protest allowed over weekend

The Islamabad High Court has ordered authorities to prohibit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from holding its November 24 protest in Islamabad in violation of a newly enacted peaceful assembly law.

The verdict came after a hearing today, where Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was summoned to appear before the court.

The court directed authorities to form a committee, ideally headed by the onterior minister, to engage with PTI leadership and inform them of the sensitivity surrounding the visit of the Belarus president this weekend.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ruled out Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's claim that he received an offer from the government to postpone his planned Islamabad protest.

Speaking to the media after attending a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Naqvi denied any negotiations with the former prime minister and insisted that no talks were taking place under threats.

"The PTI has not engaged in any negotiations with the government," Naqvi said. "No talks are taking place as negotiations are not held under threats." 

The PTI party, led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, plans to stage nationwide protests through late November, including a major rally in Islamabad on November 24.

The party demands the release of Imran Khan and seeks to address other grievances.