ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the federal government to provide the PTI with a ground between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad to hold its public gathering.<\/p>\n
When the hearing resumed after a break, the attorney-general told the three-member bench that the ground, which will be given to the PTI, only had the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people.<\/p>\n
He also added that a Sunday bazaar and the Sirinigar Highway were close to the venue.<\/p>\n
However, the bench did not pay any heed to the advice of the Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali and directed the government to provide security to the PTI’s gathering within three hours.<\/p>\n
During the hearing, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan asked PTI\u2019s lawyer Babar Awan when the gathering will be held.<\/p>\n
\u201cTill when will the gathering go on for?\u201d asked Justice Ahsan.<\/p>\n
To this Awan, replied that the decision is for the political leadership to take.<\/p>\n
In response, Justice Ahsan remarked that the apex court can change its order, amend or take it back. He added that the bench will be monitoring the developments.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalks between the government committee and PTI committee should be held at 10pm tonight at the chief commissioner\u2019s office,\u201d said the court. It directed the deputy commissioner, interior secretary, and inspector-general Islamabad to make sure the meeting take place.<\/p>\n
\u201cArrested political leadership and workers should be freed at once,\u201d said the court. It also ordered the government to follow the point agreed between the JUI-F and PTI during the former\u2019s 2019 long march.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny new clause should be included in the agreement through mutual consultation and the court should also be informed about it,\u201d said the bench.<\/p>\n
Before the break, the court had directed the authorities concerned to hold consultations over permission for the PTI rally on H9 ground and update the court on the outcome.<\/p>\n
The directives came during a hearing of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association\u2019s (IHCBA) plea against the government\u2019s decision to block roads to stop PTI’s “Azadi March” taking place today (Wednesday) in the federal capital.<\/p>\n
A three-member bench of the SC, headed by Justice Ahsan, was hearing the plea. Islamabad chief commissioner and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Akbar Nasir Khan appeared before the court during the hearing.<\/p>\n
PTI\u2019s counsel Babar Awan presented the party\u2019s request for permission to hold a rally at the H9 ground.<\/p>\n
Awan informed the court that Imran Khan has four demands which include the provision of H9 ground for the rally, the release of all the arrested party workers and leaders, and the removal of all the barricades that are blocking routes leading to Islamabad.<\/p>\n
AGP Ausaf conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message that he believes in the rule of law. He said that the premier has formed a committee which will decide on the venue for the PTI rally and the use of words.<\/p>\n
The AGP assured the court of protecting every citizen.<\/p>\n
SC orders provision of alternative venue for PTI rally
\nEarlier, the court had directed the authorities concerned to provide an alternative venue for the PTI to hold a rally.<\/p>\n
SC’s Justice Ijazul Ahsan directed the Islamabad chief commissioner to prepare a traffic plan for the PTI rally and submit a report after compliance with orders by 2:30pm.<\/p>\n
“Make an offer of an alternative venue to the PTI and inform the court about the outcome after negotiations.<\/p>\n
“The administration should present a complete plan of action which allows the protest, but keeps roads open so that the protesters can reach peacefully and go back home afterwards,” Justice Ahsan said.<\/p>\n
The judge sought assurance from the authorities that there won\u2019t be any violence and that roads will not be closed.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the court directed PTI’s counsel to give names if the party fears arrest.<\/p>\n
Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi remarked that the Islamabad IGP and Interior secretary should review their policies.<\/p>\n
The judge warned the IGP to understand his responsibilities and fulfil them.<\/p>\n
“You have been appointed four days ago. Stay within your limits as you already have enough burden of cases and allegations,” Justice Naqvi said.<\/p>\n
‘Will entire country be shut down over every protest’: Justice Ahsan
\nJustice Ahsan questioned if the entire country will be shut down whenever there is a protest.<\/p>\n
“The government basically wants to disrupt routine life by blocking roads across the country,” the judge remarked.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Attorney-General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf requested the court to give him time to take instructions from the government.<\/p>\n
Accepting the request, the court allowed AGP Ausaf to take directives from the government during a break in the hearing till 12pm.<\/p>\n
Justice Ahsan remarked that news reports show that all exams have been postponed and roads and businesses have been closed. He said that all schools and public transport services are shut, with an emergency imposed on the hospitals in the capital city.<\/p>\n
Responding to the judge’s remark, AGP Ausaf said that he is not aware of the details. He requested the court to give him time to gather information.<\/p>\n
“Everyone knows what is happening in the country. Economically, the country is undergoing a critical phase and is on the verge of bankruptcy,” he said.<\/p>\n
At this, AGP Ausaf suggested the court avoid making remarks on the economy. He went on to say that he is fundamentally against blocking roads, but the PTI threatened a “bloody march”.<\/p>\n
“Taking steps had become inevitable for the protection of people and their property,” AGP said, adding that the court should keep the context behind the government’s decision in view.<\/p>\n
At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the Constitution doesn’t say anywhere to close the entire country down.<\/p>\n
AGP Ausaf argued that the Constitution doesn’t say anywhere that armed men shouldn’t be stopped, either.<\/p>\n