The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has constituted a three-member larger bench to hear a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest and long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
The larger bench will be headed by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and include Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif. The case has been fixed for hearing on September 10.
In a three-page written order issued by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, the court directed the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police (IGPs) of all four provinces to appear in person before the court on Thursday.
The IHC also summoned the Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Inspector General of Police and Deputy Commissioner in their personal capacity. The advocate generals of all four provinces and Islamabad were also directed to assist the court.
The petition was filed by a businessman who expressed concerns that the PTI’s proposed protest could disrupt routine life and business activities in the federal capital.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that legislation governing protests and demonstrations in Islamabad was already in place and raised concerns over the possible use of government resources during the planned mobilisation.
During the previous hearing, the lawyer also referred to PTI’s 2024 protest and presented relevant statements and newspaper reports before the court. He argued that protests should not be used to exert pressure on state institutions or courts.
Considering the matter significant and sensitive, the court issued a notice to the Attorney General for Pakistan to assist in the proceedings.
The petition comes after PTI announced a September 27 protest and long march towards Islamabad. The party has said the mobilisation is aimed at seeking access to party founder Imran Khan for his family and personal doctors, besides raising concerns regarding his legal and prison-related matters.The IHC will hear the matter before the larger bench on September 10, with the summoned officials expected to appear in person.
