ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday instructed authorities in the federal capital to authorize the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to conduct a public gathering in the city.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC, presiding over PTI’s plea for the court’s permission to organize a public rally in Islamabad against alleged electoral malpractices on February 8, emphasized, “The right to assemble cannot be denied.”
The court’s stance came subsequent to the rejection of PTI’s request by the district administration, submitted by party leader Aamir Mughal, citing concerns over “law and order” for the power show scheduled for March 30.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, when approached, justified the denial of PTI’s application citing grave security apprehensions, as per The News.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Akbar Nasir had previously cautioned PTI against organizing rallies without lawful authorization, warning of severe consequences.
During today’s proceedings, IHC CJ Farooq emphasized that public gatherings are a universal right and instructed the authorities to settle the terms and conditions with PTI regarding the public event.
In response, the government’s legal representative alleged PTI’s breach of prior agreements with the administration.
“Do not impose unconventional conditions. Permit them [to conduct the public gathering] as per standard terms,” responded the chief justice.
Moreover, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, present at the hearing, expressed the party’s intent to hold the public gathering on April 6 instead of March 30.
“Life continues,” remarked CJ Farooq, addressing the government lawyer’s reference to Tuesday’s terrorist incident in Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which claimed six lives, including five Chinese engineers.
In light of this, the state counsel requested time for a response upon receiving instructions, to which the judge emphasized his authority to decide and clarified he wasn’t seeking the counsel’s consent.
Directing the PTI lawyer, CJ Farooq emphasized the need to ensure that the public gathering remains peaceful, devoid of any chaos or vandalism.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
