No one has right to stage sit-in on motorway: IHC

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, while hearing petitions regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, stated that no one had the right to stage a sit-in on a motorway.

The high court on Thursday heard a plea by traders against the possible closure of roads due to the PTI sit-in during the party’s Haqeeqi Azadi march.

Advocate General (AG) Jahangir Jadoon and Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Dugal appeared before the court and stated that PTI's request for a no objection certificate (NOC) regarding the sit-in and rally was also pending. They urged that the petitions be heard simultaneously.

AAG Dugal told the court that he had written to the Ministry of Law for its legal opinion. Chief Justice Farooq remarked that immediate action was required in the matter.

The traders’ counsel also requested that the court issue orders ensuring the smooth flow of traffic on highways and motorways.

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Justice Farooq maintained that trade would be affected if highways and motorways were blocked, and reiterated that no one had the right to hold a sit-in on the motorway.

He furthered that Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had given a decision in the sit-in case and said that all rallies will be held in the parade ground. The AG informed the court that the decision had come at their request.

The CJ said that foreigners were present in Islamabad and diplomatic movement could also be impacted.

“Those who want to hold a rally have the right to do so, but the rights of ordinary citizens should not be affected,” he stated.

He added that the control of highways and motorways belongs to the federation, and they could give directions regarding the matter.

Justice Farooq also ordered to combine the traders’ petition with the PTI application. The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow (Friday).