ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court said that political parties and leaders have no legal right to block roads or public places for political protests.
The court issued the ruling while disposing of a petition against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
A three-member bench led by Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard arguments from the Islamabad attorney general and the petitioner’s lawyer.
PTI has announced nationwide protests and a march towards the capital, demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Government warns against unrest
During the hearing, the Islamabad attorney general warned that PTI’s previous protests involved violence, fires and damage to public property. He presented videos showing clashes, burning containers, damaged infrastructure and attacks involving security personnel during earlier protests.
The attorney general argued that peaceful assembly remains a fundamental right but said authorities can impose restrictions to protect public safety and national security. He said protesters must seek permission from the district magistrate before organising a march or protest in Islamabad.
Moreover, he maintained that authorities could place containers and declare areas of the capital as Red Zones when security conditions required such measures.
Court questions political statements
The attorney general also claimed PTI had not sought permission for the September 27 march. He further described demands for Imran Khan’s release and removal of the government as unlawful, arguing that courts determine the release of convicted prisoners.
Meanwhile, the chief justice questioned whether government representatives could provoke citizens through political statements.
The attorney general replied that no leader had the right to incite citizens. The petitioner’s lawyer also raised concerns about possible disruption if millions of protesters entered Islamabad and questioned the impact on residents.
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