No lockdown, PTI can hold protest at designated area: IHC

IHC also orders PTI chairman to appear in court

Islamabad High Court on Monday told Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its protest at a designated location as a lockdown will not be allowed.

Warning that demonstrations should not disrupt life for citizens, IHC told the party to hold their anti-government protest at Parade Ground near Faizabad. The court also ordered PTI chairman Imran Khan to appear in court during hearing of petitions against the party's planned protest.



The court noted that protesting is the fundamental right of all citizens, however, nobody can be compelled, pressurised and restrained to do what is not permissible under the law. “If any attempt to block or lockdown the ICT is made, the district administration shall act in accordance with law,” Justice Siddiqui said. He added that district administration will remain within the limits of law, adding that it is bound to protect rights of citizens as well as to take all remedial steps to ensure fundamental rights.

IHC also directed police to provide security to Imran Khan when he comes to appear before the court [to submit his response].

Earlier today, Imran asked the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the arrests of his party workers by the police, asking under which law are my people were being arrested and abducted.

Meanwhile, police have reportedly continued to arrest the activists and erected barriers in their way as they attempted to reach Imran's residence in Bani Gala.

On Monday morning, PTI leader Shireen Mazari said police had restrained her and other women activists of the party from reaching Bani Gala, asking the authorities to explain the situation.

In his earlier press conference, PTI chairman had questioned if the judiciary were only protecting the powerful, saying the administration had put containers in the capital while his workers were being arrested despite court orders.

Imran has announced to launch a mass protest in Islamabad on November 2 against the alleged massive corruption by the rulers as exposed by Panama Papers leaks.

According to the PTI chairman, he wouldn't call off his protest until the premier returns the 'looted' money to the exchequer or steps down from his position.



On Sunday, PTI decided that Imran Khan will be flanked by a large number of supporters when he leaves his Bani Gala residence for the Supreme Court to witness the proceedings of a crucial case involving the Panamagate. The strategy was finalised in a bid to avoid PTI chairman’s possible arrest or any other unfair means the government may employ against him.

The decision was followed by an important announcement in which Imran Khan directed the party leadership and activists from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to reach Bani Gala today (Monday).