The Islamabad High Court (IHC) which showed concern on Wednesday over the closure of different business in the federal capital during the PTI’s ‘unlock call’ protest called both the government and the protesting party ‘wrong.’
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PTI Protests Declared Unlawful Amid Security Concerns
The PTI Chairman, Imran Khan, called for countrywide protests on 24th November on the grounds that their election mandate had been stolen, members detained and the abolition of the 26th Amendment which the PTI claimed was in support of a dictatorial rule.
The IHC had earlier declared that the PTI proposed protest was unlawful and directed the federal government to adopt measures needed to preserve law and order in Islamabad and avert addition to the normal life since the Belarusian president visit was also scheduled to take place at the same time. During the same, the IHC Chief Justice, Aamer Farooq asked, “What other strategies can be employed other than putting up containers that resulted in shutting down the city?”
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IHC Criticizes Government Over Islamabad Blockades
On Wednesday, Justice Farooq continued hearing a petition by traders in Islamabad who feared disruptions in their business activities. The case was heard in the court and Islamabad Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Legal Sajid Cheema, state counsel Malik Abdul Rehman and others were present in the court.
Chiefs justice questioned the government move to place blockades in all areas of the capital, stating, ‘You were supposed to bring law and order, but instead, you closed all of Islamabad.’ He further said, “The petitioners had requested to let them run their businesses.”
Justice Farooq also noted that the government had used the IHC order as a reason not to let the protest happen, saying, “The court itself had ordered you to safeguard the rights of citizens, businessmen, and protesters.”
Though Justice Farooq agreed with the PTI that its actions were wrong, he also blamed the government in this regard, and said: “What was the mistake of the petitioners?” What did they do that caused their businesses to be shut down?
IHC Demands Interior Ministry Report, Criticizes Blockades
The judge proceeded to order the Interior Ministry to produce a report on the issue. The state counsel Rehman said some reports are available; others are under preparation. The judge said: “Are you here today for the first time in a court? You should have presented this expert opinion earlier when we were at the ministry of interior.“
Justice Farooq also said this, “You locked Islamabad in such a way that even the judges including I could not reach the court.” I even became the loser of my own order.”
The chief justice further remarked, referring to PTI’s actions, “I will also ask them: what was the mistake of the common people in the fight with the government?
The court postponed the hearing to next week and demanded a report from the Interior Ministry.
PTI Protest Disrupts Daily Life; Leaders Flee After Clashes
As a lead-up to the PTI protest scheduled on November 24 , the government had blocked the major entry/exit points roads and linking roads by placing containers. University, college, universities and other learning institutions, hostels in higher learning institutions, inter-provincial bus terminals, and guest houses were also closed. There were shortages in the supplies of dairy, poultry and groceries and therefore the supply chain was affected as well.
Residents of Rawalpindi were also affected as the operation of the metro bus service was closed and due to security measures the business activities have also been affected. On 26 th Nov, the three days larged march of PTI leaders reached Islamabad and unfortunately, PTI workers clashed with security forces and after that meeting at Dharna Site and all PTI leaders including Imran Khan fled away from the Red zone on 27 th Nov early morning.
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