The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken up a petition challenging the closure of the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) amid security measures linked to the PTI’s planned protest. Justice Muhammad Asif heard the petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mian Shafqat Jan, who challenged the blocking of the motorway.
Lawyer Challenges M-1 Closure
According to the petition, Jan was scheduled to appear before the Peshawar High Court on September 24.
He entered the M-1 from the Islamabad Toll Plaza but found the route blocked near the Attock Bridge. He also said officials could not provide confirmation of a written order authorising the closure.
The lawyer questioned why citizens should face restrictions while travelling to courts and other essential destinations.
He also raised concerns about access for ambulances, funeral processions, students, patients and other citizens.
IHC Questions Restrictions on Public Movement
During the hearing, Justice Muhammad Asif observed that a city could not simply be closed for entry or exit.
The petitioner argued that authorities must provide proper justification when restricting public movement.
He further maintained that rules imposed on ordinary citizens should also apply to government authorities.
The petition seeks directions to reopen blocked routes for lawyers, litigants, witnesses, patients, funeral processions and emergency services.
Court Seeks Replies From Respondents
The IHC served notices on the relevant parties and sought their responses.
The respondents include federal authorities, Islamabad and Punjab administrations, police officials, the National Highways and Motorway Police and the National Highway Authority.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings without setting a new date.
M-1 Closure Linked to PTI Protest Security
Authorities closed the M-1 as part of heightened security measures surrounding the PTI’s planned mobilisation towards Islamabad.
The National Highways and Motorway Police reported that the M-1 was closed in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange. Authorities also blocked sections of the M-14 and the GT Road near Attock.
Meanwhile, the government had increased security in several areas ahead of the planned protest.
Earlier IHC Ruling on Road Blockades
The petition also refers to an earlier detailed IHC judgment concerning the planned PTI protest.
In that ruling, a three-member bench said political parties and public office holders could not occupy roads, highways, interchanges or toll plazas in a way that obstructed citizens’ movement or access to medical and educational facilities.
At the same time, the court recognised peaceful assembly as a constitutional right, while stressing that such activity remains subject to law and cannot infringe other citizens’ fundamental rights.
The latest petition will therefore require the court to consider the legal basis for the M-1 closure and its impact on public movement and access to essential services.
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