Islamabad High Court directs authorities to prevent PTI’s planned protest in violation of newly enacted assembly law, forming a committee for dialogue

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a ruling prohibiting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding its “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, emphasizing compliance with the newly enacted peaceful assembly law. The court’s decision came after a petition filed by a trader association president, who argued that political protests disrupt the daily life and rights of Islamabad’s residents. The petition highlighted that the government must ensure such protests do not impede citizens’ freedom of movement or livelihoods.

In a detailed five-page ruling, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq noted that while the Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and movement, these rights are subject to reasonable and proportional restrictions. The ruling referenced an earlier decision from October, where the court instructed authorities to designate a space for PTI’s protests to avoid disrupting the city during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The IHC emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining law and order within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) lies with the Ministry of Interior and the Islamabad administration. The court directed that any protest should be carried out within the boundaries of the law, ensuring that no disproportionate restrictions are placed on citizens’ rights. Justice Farooq also ordered the formation of a committee, headed by the Minister for Interior, to engage with PTI leadership in talks about the protest’s timing and location. This committee would address the sensitivities surrounding the protest, particularly given the visit of Belarus’s president over the weekend.

The court made it clear that no formal request had been made by PTI for permission to hold the protest, and urged the party to engage meaningfully with the committee to find a resolution. In case talks fail, the authorities are expected to ensure that law and order are maintained without infringing on citizens’ rights or violating the peaceful assembly law.

Justice Farooq concluded by directing that a compliance report be submitted before the next hearing, scheduled for November 27. As the government braces for PTI’s protest, authorities are preparing to seal off Islamabad, while PTI is mobilizing its supporters for a large-scale demonstration. This comes after Imran Khan, the imprisoned founder of PTI, called for nationwide protests against alleged election rigging, the arrest of party workers, and the passage of the 26th Amendment.