IHC moved to direct govt, PTI to evolve mechanism for peaceful protest

Islamabad

In a petition seeking directions for the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) to evolve a mechanism for a peaceful protest on November 2, to avoid encroachments on fundamental rights of Islamabad residents, Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) here Thursday adjourned hearing till October 24.

During argument IHC bench said that the petitioners should have put this matter before district administration first that is necessary forum in this respect.

Petitioners Muhammad Yaqoob and Shehzad Ahmed both residents of Islamabad in their petition have nominated secretary ministry of interior and Chairman PTI Imran Khan and district administration as respondents.

Petitioner adopted before the court that the announcement of PTI to lock down the capital city on November 2 is an infringement on fundamental rights of the people.

Petitioners contended that they are residents of Islamabad and freedom of movement is their fundamental right. Chairman PTI Imran Khan has announced that he on November 2, 2016 will lock down the whole city that is a threat to the fundamental rights of the people. PTI chairman addressing his supporters at Raiwind, Lahore, had announced that after Moharram, he will paralyse the capital city urging the masses for a long showdown in Islamabad. He announced that his workers will occupy the roads and entrances toward major government offices.

Petitioner contended that the previous ‘dharna’ of PTI in 2014 had caused a loss of billions of rupees to the country besides 50 schools and colleges were closed due to security situation and these remained under the occupation of law enforcement agencies for several months.

Common man in that entire situation was worst affected as the whole city was engulfed with a feeling of uncertainty and terror. Leaving the house for office and routine work had become hard. Two important roads, Constitution Avenue and Jinnah Avenue remained blocked for months. People residing the nearby areas became short of supplies.

If PTI would stop city life, it will violate article 4 and 15 of the constitution. Under article 4 one cannot be imprisoned by any person unless in a situation provided by law. Article 15 is about freedom of movement that is fundamental right.

The petitioners have requested the court to direct ministry of interior to provide PTI with an area where they could protest not disturbing the civic life. And PTI may also be directed to remain within boundaries of that area.