IHC slams government for blocking roads during PTI's Nov 24 protest

Islamabad High Court (IHC) criticised the government on Tuesday over blocking the federal capital during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march to Islamabad on November 24 and remarked that the government's measures proved to be disruptive for common people.

Justice Amir Farooqui heard the petition submitted by President Jinnah Super Market pertaining to the closure of Islamabad during the PTI protest from November 24 to 26. 

District Deputy Superintendent of Police for Legal Affairs Sajid Cheema, Assistant Counsel Malik Abdul Rehman and others appeared before the court. 

While expressing displeasure over the incomplete report about the clashes and casualties in the rally, the court asked the state counsel why the government occluded the capital city.

“All judges, including me, failed to reach the court,” he said.

The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court addressed the public prosecutor, referencing the petitioner’s statement, "Let our trade continue."

The government had publicly stated in the media that it was not granting permission based on orders from the Islamabad High Court.

The Chief Justice clarified that the court had instructed the government to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, including businesspeople and protesters, and to restore law and order. However, instead, the entire city of Islamabad was shut down.

The Chief Justice questioned, "What was the fault of ordinary citizens in this dispute with the government? What was the fault of the petitioner? Why was their business closed?"

He further remarked, "If PTI violated the court's orders, the government also failed in its duties. I will ask PTI why the court's instructions were disregarded."

Following these remarks, the court directed the interior ministry to submit a comprehensive report and adjourned the hearing until next week.

It is pertinent to mention here that from November 24 to 26, PTI held a rally with demands to end the prolonged incarceration of party founder Imran Khan, suspend the 26th constitutional amendment and return the party’s election mandate, which they describe was stolen in the general election 2024.

Prior to the entrance of the rally in Islamabad, the authorities packed that with proof of security, layers consisting of police, paramilitary, and army. The road was also blocked by a wall of containers.