During a hearing on a petition aimed at halting PTI protests in the federal capital, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the court could not issue any directives to Imran Khan’s party.
The government has sealed off the capital and suspended mobile and internet services ahead of the PTI rally at D-Chowk, asserting that it has not granted permission for the protest and has called in the army to maintain order ahead of the upcoming SCO summit.
The IHC summoned the interior minister, interior secretary, and police officials for the proceedings related to the petition filed by Raja Hassan Akhtar. At the start of the hearing, Chief Justice Farooq asked the petitioner about the urgency of the matter, noting that he typically does not hear cases on Saturdays.
The petitioner’s lawyer explained that Islamabad had been effectively shut down for two days, affecting businesses, exams for children, and the daily movement of 150,000 people. CJ Farooq acknowledged the difficult situation, sharing that he had personally encountered blocked areas due to containers.
The lawyer also mentioned the approaching Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference, to which CJ Farooq responded that the conference was still a week away. He emphasized the need to balance citizens’ rights, stating, “Every citizen has rights, and while considering one citizen’s rights, we must also keep in mind the rights of others. Maintaining law and order is the government’s responsibility.”
The IHC chief justice called for the advocate general of Islamabad to ensure the interior secretary and a “responsible police officer” were present in court. While suggesting that summoning the interior minister might not be necessary, he expressed that he should be invited if possible.
CJ Farooq highlighted that the court could not issue directions to PTI but could order government institutions to protect citizens’ rights. He raised concerns over the mobile service shutdown for two days, pointing out potential emergencies that could arise. Upon the arrival of Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha, CJ Farooq questioned, “Why have you shut down the entire city?”
The secretary explained that the Malaysian prime minister had visited Islamabad the previous day and cited laws governing protests in the city. He also mentioned that a Saudi delegation was expected soon and that the SCO summit was significant for the country.
In response, CJ Farooq reiterated, “You are the government, and it is your responsibility to ensure equal rights. It is the government’s duty to guarantee that citizens have equal rights.”
