D-Chowk: Will Imran comply with SC order?

Despite the clear instructions from the Supreme Court to hold its Azadi March protest near Peshawar Mor between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad, Imran Khan has insisted that his supporters converge in D-Chowk - a move that political pundits believe runs the risk of intensifying confrontations with institutions.

Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan while hearing the petition filed by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) seeking the removal of blockades in the capital ahead of the PTI’s march, said that in view of a categorical assurance from the top leadership of PTI that their rally would not cause any inconvenience and will remain peaceful directed the Islamabad chief commissioner to provide an alternate site to the PTI to hold its Azadi March by 2:30pm and create a traffic plan for protesters so they could reach it.

The bench will resume the hearing of the case on Thursday morning (today).

However, it is yet to be seen whether its orders would be fully complied with by the PTI leadership that is poised to execute its plans to throw the government out of gear and apparently is in no mood to concede.

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The situation is particularly delicate given that the superior judiciary is already facing intense criticism from the PTI supporters for opening its doors on the eventful night of April 9 when the fate of Imran Khan as a prime minister was still hanging in balance.

Senior lawyers believe that all SC judges should be united to preserve the constitution.

On the other hand, being the latest politically-heated matter to land in the apex court, the order will also serve as a test for PTI’s legal minds in terms of convincing Imran Khan to obey the SC’s order.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the government has decided to move the apex court against the non-implementation of its orders by PTI leaders.

Sources revealed to The Express Tribune that the government held a meeting with the PTI leaders at K-P house Islamabad on Wednesday morning. PTI senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Qaiser arrived in the federal capital to discuss a possible solution.

However, no breakthrough could be reached due to Imran Khan’s refusal to accept the conditions set by the government and ‘powerful quarters’.

The former prime minister, sources said, was adamant on his demand to dissolve the National Assembly and a date for immediate general elections. However, the government insisted that the PTI returns to the parliament and take part in the process regarding electoral reforms and economic policies.

Political observers are of the view that the former prime minister must show some flexibility in his stance towards the institutions for the sake of his electoral prospects. Walking into the same wall despite political ramifications would not augur well, they predict.

They note that most of the electables in Punjab — the political heartland of the country — eschew confrontation with the establishment. Therefore, it would be wise for Mr Khan to make at least some concessions and walk a careful line.