No political party or public office holder has the authority to block Islamabad’s roads: IHC
A larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the verdict on the petition related to the PTI’s September 27 protest in Islamabad.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of a petition concerning the PTI’s planned protest in Islamabad on September 27, issuing a set of directions to the federal and provincial authorities on Monday.
A larger bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar announced the verdict on the petition related to the PTI’s September 27 protest in Islamabad.
The court ruled that no political party or public office holder has the authority to block roads in Islamabad.
It directed provincial chief ministers to ensure that government machinery is not used for political party protests and that no government employee is forced to participate in any protest.
The IHC observed that no political party or leader has a legal right to occupy roads, highways or other public places, nor can they obstruct citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement.
The court directed provincial governments to ensure that state resources are not used for marches, processions or rallies.
Chief ministers were instructed to ensure that government funds or officials are not deployed for protests and that government vehicles, machinery or other equipment are not used for such activities.
The court further ordered the Islamabad administration and the Ministry of Interior to ensure the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
The chief secretaries and inspector generals of police (IGPs) were directed to ensure implementation of the court’s directions.
The court also issued instructions to the Federal Secretary Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
