Protesters refuse to end dharna despite IHC order

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed participants of 'Dharna' at Faizabad interchange to call off their protest by respecting the law and fundamental rights of the citizens, however, they refused to leave the place due to which the citizens of the twin cities continue to face a lot of difficulties. Protesters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) have occupied the Faizabad interchange since November 6 causing severe disturbance to the daily lives of Islamabad-Rawalpindi residents. Initially, they demanded the resignation of Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid but through their petition in the IHC they only sought to make public the report of Raja Zafarul Haq committee and legal action against the people responsible for “changing” the oath regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwwat in the amendment of October 2, 2017.
The IHC bench comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui in its order said: "As the petitioner has invoked the jurisdiction of this court, therefore, it is directed that they must pay respect to the law and call off 'Dharna', which is resulting into blockage of roads and bringing sufferings to the ordinary citizens, government employees and school, college students." The IHC said: "It is expected that by showing grace, the petitioner will pay respect to the law of land and positively respond to the order passed by this court."
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik has been seeking to make public the report of Raja Zafarul Haq committee. The petitioner further said the Parliament, by an amendment dated October 02, 2017 secured to alter and mould the shape of the relevant laws and pave the way for the minorities to present themselves as members of majority faith.
Though the legislature corrected the declaration on finality of Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) but the relevant quarters are not disclosing the outcome of the report of an inquiry ordered to fix responsibility of this fault, the petitioner said.
The IHC bench while responding to the demand said that this court has already passed an order to make public the report and hence there is no need to pass a separate order. It is to mention here that the same IHC bench on November 14 in the petition of one Maulana Allah Wasaya of Bahawalpur had directed the government to submit report of Raja Zafarul Haq committee. Later, the hearing was put of till November 29.
The IHC bench while hearing the case remarked that when there is a case in the court, there is no need for 'Dharna'. It said if protesters want justice from the court then they must call off their protest. The bench further remarked that even if a righteous task is executed in a sinful manner, it is wrong. The bench said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to pick thorns from the way while the people who are His (PBUH) followers, have blocked the way. The same IHC bench summoned the inspector general of police, chief commissioner and deputy commissioner directing them to personally appear before the court in a separate petition of an advocate high court saying that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik protesters are violating fundamental rights of general public. The IHC bench asked the respondents to submit a report that what preventive measures were taken to lead the protestors to designated place known as DP&SC. The IHC bench of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui has taken notice of the authorities’ inaction and asked the government functionaries to explain why law did not take its course to enforce the writ of the government.