Islamabad protest will be held at any cost: Imran Khan

IHC earlier imposed Section 144 of CPC, banning public protests and rallies in Islamabad

Challenging Islamabad High Court's orders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the Islamabad protest scheduled for November 2 will be held at any cost.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, the party chief said, "It is my legal and constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest and I will exercise that right."



"We will change the fate of Pakistan on November 2, and no one has the power to stop us," he added. The cricketer-turned-politician further added that using force against peaceful protesters is unconstitutional.

Message for Punjab police

Warning the Punjab police to avoid confrontation with 'peaceful protesters', Imran said, "The government has turned Punjab police into Gulu Butt. I warn these officials to stay away from the protesters."

"You already have the blood of Model Town victims on your hands, which you will be held accountable for," Imran said while referring to the Punjab police. "It is time for Nawaz and his government to leave, who will save you then?"

The address came hours after IHC ordered authorities not to place any containers or block roads for PTI’s Islamabad lockdown on November 2.

“No one will be allowed to shut down Islamabad on Nov 2,” Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said while hearing petitions filed against the mass protest. “Fundamental rights of common man cannot be compromised in the name of protest,” he added, according to Radio Pakistan.

The order stated that though it is PTI’s right to register protest, no party will be allowed to siege the city.

The judge further stated that all hospitals, schools and businesses will remain open on the day of the protest, while adding that no container should be placed on roads on November 2. He directed the district administration to designate a specific area for PTI’s public meeting.