ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has approved the bail applications of over 120 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who were arrested during the November 26 protests in Islamabad.
The court ordered the “immediate release” of all detained workers. The bail applications were heard by a two-member bench comprising Acting IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif.
The court directed the released PTI workers to provide affidavits at their respective police stations, pledging that they would refrain from committing such offenses in the future, as per the instructions of the acting IHC chief justice. The detainees were also required to submit surety bonds worth Rs20,000.
The workers were represented in court by lawyers Ali Bukhari, Babar Awan, Murtaza Turi, and others.
The arrests occurred after thousands of PTI supporters marched from various cities to Islamabad on November 24, responding to Imran Khan’s “final call” to demand the release of detained party members and the restoration of democracy. Protesters faced roadblocks, internet disruptions, and cellular service blackouts but managed to reach the federal capital.
During the three-day protests, which culminated on November 26, at least six people—including a police officer and three Rangers personnel—lost their lives, according to officials and hospital reports. Protesters entered Islamabad and attempted to breach the Red Zone.
This marked the third instance where the PTI called off a protest after reaching its target location. Reports indicated that the party’s top leadership had voiced concerns about low participation from supporters in Punjab during the preparations for the Islamabad march.
