Court clears path for Imran’s show

LHC orders Punjab government to provide foolproof security to protesters

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has allowed the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to hold its Raiwind rally today (Friday) and directed the Punjab government to provide foolproof security to the protesters.

In its order on Thursday, the full bench ordered the government take every possible measure to maintain peace in the entire area and keep a vigilant eye on wrongdoings to take timely action against the perpetrators.

In its four-page order, the LHC bench headed by Justice Shahid Hameed Dar stated no one amongst the peaceful protesters should be unnecessarily harassed, mistreated or arrested.

Also advising the protesters, the judges said the petitioners shall abide by the terms and conditions they and their political party had settled with the district administration and refrain from incendiarism on the stage.

The right of path shall invariably be respected by all. It is the duty of the state and the government to safeguard the fundamental rights of its citizens and the workers of the PTI are no exception, the court order said.



The assembly at the fixed venue and the dispersal of people thereof, after the meeting is over, should be made as smoothly and calmly as possible. The duty of the organisers would be crucial, so they must play their role efficiently, the bench noted.

The petition was filed by PTI’s Waleed Iqbal, accusing the government of harassing his party workers for disrupting the September 30 rally. Another petition was filed by Advocate AK Dogar, seeking a ban on the PTI’s rally, claiming there was a possibility of clashes among the workers of two political parties.

Earlier, Lahore District Coordination Officer Muhammad Usman said the PTI has been allowed to hold the public meeting and the government expected the PTI leadership to cooperate with them to keep peace.

PTI’s counsel Ahmed Awais assured the court the protest would be peaceful, docile and disciplined, as witnessed anywhere in a civilised society.

After hearing all arguments, the bench disposed of the petitions.

After the issuance of the order, PTI leader Waleed told the media that the court has endorsed the party’s right to protest by allowing them to demonstrate against corruption. He added the court, however, asked them to desist from hate speech.

Advocate Awais said no one could stop them from exercising their right to protest provided by the constitution.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2016.