ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has stepped in to address the disruptions in the capital city caused by the PTI protest and government measures to control it ahead of the significant events to be held in the federal capital.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq ordered the government to restore normalcy in Islamabad, ensuring the reinstatement of mobile phone services and the unblocking of roads. The court also directed the government to designate a specific area for the PTI protest, emphasizing that no one has the right to block roads and disrupt daily life.
Chief Justice Farooq stressed that protests or lockdowns shouldn’t affect the city’s daily activities, citing Articles 16 and 17 of the Constitution which grant citizens the right to assembly and movement, subject to lawful restrictions.
During the hearing, CJ expressed deep concern about how such a situation would impact the foreign delegations visiting Islamabad. He stated, “It seems like a curfew is in place in the city, and you must take steps to bring things back to normal. It is your responsibility to ensure that Islamabad remains a peaceful city”.
The court’s decision came after Blue Area trader Raja Hassan Akhtar filed a petition regarding disruptions caused by protests. Akhtar cited the halt in business and daily activities due to blocked roads and suspended mobile services.
Moreover, The government had deployed the army under Article 245 and imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings, the interior secretary explained that the security measures were taken due to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and visits from the Malaysian prime minister and a Saudi delegation.
Additionally, The federal government imposed Section 144 to ban gatherings, but the court’s order prioritizes finding a balance between security concerns and the right to peaceful protest.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 17, directing authorities to restore order and normalcy by then.
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