ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday constituted a larger bench to hear a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest and long march in Islamabad on September 27.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar constituted the larger bench, headed by himself and comprising Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif.
The development came as the court issued a three-page written order on the hearing of the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed.
According to the written order, the petitioner, a trader, had approached the court against the planned protest, informing the court about potential losses and disruptions that could result from the demonstration.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the PTI’s planned sit-in in Islamabad could cause inconvenience to citizens and commuters and adversely affect business activities in the capital.
The court was also informed that legislation was already in place governing protests and demonstrations in Islamabad.
PTI’s Sept 27 Islamabad March: IHC moves to form larger bench
Considering the matter to be of significant importance, the court issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan to assist it in the case.
The IHC also summoned the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police (IGPs) of all four provinces to appear before the court in person on Thursday.
The court further directed the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Inspector General of Islamabad Police and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to appear in person.
The petitioner has named the IGPs of all four provinces, Islamabad Police, Motorway Police and other relevant government authorities as respondents in the case.
During the previous proceedings, Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar termed the matter sensitive and likened it to a “constitutional crisis.”
