Nov 2 protest: Court orders protesters to stay at Democracy Park

Justice Siddiqui directed the administration to allow PTI Chairman and others to demonstrate at the designated place

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has ordered the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its protest at the ‘Democracy Park and Speech Corner’. Earlier in the hearing, the counsel for the PTI chairman expressed a lack of confidence in the bench and announced that he would appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.

While disposing of petitions against the planned November 2 protest, Justice Siddiqui directed the administration to allow PTI Chairman Imran Khan and others to demonstrate at the designated place, provided that the fundamental rights of other citizens are protected.

“We will assemble at the designated place,” assured Imran’s counsel, Naeem Bokhari. “You will disperse from there as well,” added Justice Siddiqui.

To this, Bukhari said that it was not clear how many people would attend and how many people can be accommodated at the designated place. “If the number of people increases, you may go towards Islamabad Express instead of blocking the capital,” Justice Siddiqui said.

In the order, Justice Siddiqui said that if Imran shows willingness to stage his demonstration at the designated place, the federal government and district administration shall facilitate such activities.

The court noted that lodging a protest is a fundamental right of citizens, but nobody can be compelled or pressurised to do what is not permissible under the law. “If any attempt is made to block or lock down the ICT or disrupt the normal life of city, the district administration shall act in accordance with the law,” Justice Siddiqui said.



He added that the district administration shall remain within the limits of law, adding that the administration is bound to protect rights of citizens as well as take all remedial steps to protect fundamental rights.

Before the counsel expressed no-trust in the bench, Bukhari argued that only one paragraph in the petition speaks of the fundamental rights of the petitioners, while the rest is about security, national issues and other difficult times.

He requested the court to dispose of the petitions as they stand decided after the order passed by the court on Oct 27.

Bukhari also said that it was government machinery blocking the roads and not the PTI, adding that the previous court order must apply both ways.

Separately, Babar Awan urged the court to direct Pemra to provide recordings of the opposing parties in court.

Pressing presser

While referring to Imran’s claim in a press conference that he had discussed being excused from in-person appearances by the IHC, Justice Siddiqui said that the counsel had come to chambers requesting that they may be allowed to appear before the court instead of Imran.

“It is so unfortunate,” he remarked, adding that if Imran “is above the law and has no respect for the courts or anyone else in the country.” He said that Imran’s statement suggested that the issue had already been decided in chambers.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st , 2016.