The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has decided to form a larger bench to hear a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest and long march in Islamabad on September 27.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed. The petitioner has named the police chiefs of all four provinces, Islamabad Police and Motorway Police among the respondents. Other relevant government authorities have also been included in the case.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said he was a trader in Islamabad and could be directly affected by the planned protest. He argued that the proposed demonstration could disrupt business activities and create difficulties for residents and commuters.
Petitioner Raises Security Concerns
The lawyer told the court that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had announced the protest. He said the petitioner and other residents could be affected if protesters travel to the capital.
The counsel also raised concerns about possible security risks. He questioned whether there could be an attempt to attack Adiala Jail, referring to alleged incidents during the May 9 unrest involving military installations.
The lawyer described the planned protest as “completely illegal.” He also referred to PTI’s previous attempts to enter Islamabad in 2024.
Furthermore, the counsel claimed that three Rangers personnel were killed during an earlier PTI protest. Citing media reports, he also claimed that the previous demonstration caused losses of around Rs240 million.
These claims were presented by the petitioner’s counsel during the court proceedings. The court has not made findings on those allegations at this stage.
IHC Calls Case Sensitive
Chief Justice Dogar described the matter as sensitive and compared it to a potential “constitutional crisis.” The court then decided that a larger bench should hear the case.
Meanwhile, the IHC issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan. Notices were also sent to the inspectors general of police and advocate generals of all four provinces.
The court ordered the relevant officials to appear in person. The four provincial chief secretaries were also summoned.
In addition, the chief commissioner of Islamabad, the deputy commissioner and the Islamabad police chief were directed to appear before the court. The advocate general of Islamabad was also asked to attend the hearing.
Court Seeks Government Responses
The IHC has sought responses from the relevant authorities before proceeding further with the case. The court adjourned the hearing until September 10.
According to the petition, PTI has announced a sit-in in Islamabad for September 27. The petitioner argues that the protest could inconvenience citizens and commuters.
The petition also claims that the demonstration could negatively affect business activity in the capital. The court will now consider the responses from the government and other authorities before deciding the next steps.
For now, the IHC’s decision to form a larger bench highlights the seriousness with which the court is treating the petition. The September 27 protest remains at the center of the legal dispute.
